One Tribe in Texas is not waiting for the state to come up with an overall gambling expansion plan. The group is moving on on its own.
Let’s go through the key factors propelling this growth and examine how it’s transforming the landscape for top-rated sportsbooks.
A Tribal Ace
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas revealed plans to build a new casino resort to complement the Naskila Gaming Center on its lands in Polk County. It’s a move they say will not only grow their gaming businesses but will also create new job opportunities, improve tourism in the area and increase revenue for tribal services and activities.
“We are incredibly excited to embark on this new chapter,” said Ricky Sylestine, Tribal Council Chairman, during Monday’s announcement. “This new casino resort will not only provide significant economic benefits for those living and working in the region, but it will also become a vibrant destination for visitors.”
What Will the New Casino Include?
During its announcement, the federally recognized tribe detailed a host of amenities that the casino resort will offer:
- Hotel accommodations
- A state-of-the-art casino floor featuring table games, poker, and slot machines
- Spa facilities
- A variety of dining options
- Additional entertainment options
FFKR Architects have been commissioned to bring their vision for the new casino resort to life.
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe also plans an extensive remodeling of its existing convenience store and truck stop, including bingo machines.
State Still Struggling With Gambling Expansion
All of this is happening despite opposition from anti-gambling groups and, meanwhile, lawmakers work to find a suitable plan to expand gambling across the state.
As the presiding officer of the Texas Senate, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wields significant influence over the legislative agenda, including selecting bills for debate. He essentially controls the state Senate’s work and the budgeting process as a leader of the Legislative Budget Board.
Patrick has consistently expressed strong opposition to the expansion of gambling in the state. Even though he doesn’t agree, he says that to change the gambling laws, people need to argue strongly for it in both chambers of the legislature. He thinks that those who want these laws aren’t trying hard enough to make it happen.
Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry continues his unwavering support for more gambling, including online sports betting in Texas. He even Tweeted about it in February.
One of the most vocal proponents of legalizing gambling in Texas is the former majority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cuban. He sold a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks to Miriam Adelson, who owns the casino company Las Vegas Sands Corporation and is hoping to expand to the Lone Star State.
But the debate rages on.
Where Texas’ Gambling Expansion Plans Currently Stand
For Texas to expand legalized gambling, a constitutional amendment is necessary. This amendment must receive a two-thirds majority vote in both the State House and Senate before it can be presented to voters.
Before the 2023 legislative session, several state representatives proposed legislation to regulate sports betting in Texas. While the Texas House of Representatives approved the bill, it was not passed by the Senate. Gambling enthusiasts will have to wait until the 2025 legislative session to see if a new sports betting bill will be introduced.
We’ll continue to follow the developments, and wait to see if the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe’s new casino helps to move the needle.
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