The second largest US state, boasting a surface of 268,596 square miles and over 29 million residents, is likely most famous as the home of the Alamo, a location rich with crude oil, its rodeo scene, mohair industry, and as the spot of NASA’s space center. Texas is not known for gambling, particularly the casino variety. It failed to legalize sports betting in 2021, and the Lone Star State has no commercial gaming venues, allowing classical games of chance only on Indian land, where slots are a thing. Some of these coin games are also available online at offshore platforms that house RNG and live dealer classics.
Aside from Native American gaming, Texas also allows charitable bingo games, parimutuel horse racing (live and off-track wagering), and lottery games. The latter became a thing here in 1992 when the Texas Lottery got up and running, permitting scratch-off and draws, including nationwide ones like the Powerball and Mega Millions.
It is vital to note that Texas’ neighboring states have an equally conservative stance regarding gambling regulation. However, the difference between it and its neighbors is that they have more tribal options and ones of higher quality in multiple departments. Below is a quick summary of Texas’ three Indian casinos and the best choices over the Super-American State’s borders that Texans can visit in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
Naskila Casino
Owned by the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas in Polk County, Naskila Casino is an Indian gaming spot on 540 State Park Road 56 in Livingston. It is different from what some would call a Vegas-style destination, focusing on electronic machines with high return-to-player percentages and not much else. These eight hundred games are situated in a hanger-like facility. The property has a loyalty scheme called the Naskila Gaming Players’ Club that boasts multiple-tier privileges such as access to a VIP lounge and a VIP host. The site also has two sensational restaurants and a café bistro.
Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel
The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas runs the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino on Lucky Eagle Drive in Eagle Pass. Unlike the Naskila Casino, this is a higher-end gambling destination with a six-floor 249 guest room hotel. The Lucky Eagle claims it has the best poker room in Texas, which frequently organizes high-stakes Texas Holdem tournaments. The Lucky Eagle complex also has a Que Pasa Lounge that ranks as one of south Texas’ hottest nightclubs, and it features five top-notch restaurants and two bars that patrons can enjoy. The Red Sky Grill stands out in the pack, presenting a unique mix of mouthwatering appetizers with a staggering wine and drink selection.
Speaking Rock Entertainment Center
The Tigua tribe of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, a Puebloan Native American tribal entity, operates the Speaking Rock Entertainment Center in El Paso, on 122 S Old Pueblo Road. It is famous for its outdoor concert shows, Speaking Rock Winners Club (the venue’s rewards program), and full-service restaurants, cafés, and bars. Unfortunately, only slots and electronic bingo are offered here, as no table games are in play at the Speaking Rock Entertainment Center.
Buffalo Thunder Resort Casino
Based in Cuyamungue, New Mexico, the Buffalo Thunder resort is one of the primary outside Texas gaming picks for Texans. The Pueblo of Pojoaque Native American tribe owns this resort that features three golf courses, six restaurants, a spa, and a robust casino. Its gaming area stretches 70,000 square feet, housing over twelve hundred machines and sixteen gaming tables. Free on-site parking is available, as is valet service.
WinStar World Casino and Resort
Opened in 2003 and remodeled in 2009 and 2013, the WinStar World Casino is the most massive gambling establishment on Earth. Owned/operated by the Chickasaw Nation, it can be found on 777 Casino Avenue in Thackerville, Oklahoma. According to its website, this expansive casino structure offers over eight thousand electronic games, more than one hundred gaming tables, and fifty-five poker ones. On top of this, it provides off-track betting and an RV Park available to people visiting the casino. The number of dining options here is immense, with not-to-be-missed ones including the Gran Via Buffet for casuals, and Capisce Ristorante Italiano for lovers of authentic dishes from Rome, complimented by an extensive selection of fine wines.
Coushatta Casino Resort
Located in the small town of Kinder in Allen Parish, the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana operates this property that supplies lodging in its Grand Hotel and Red Shoes RV Park. Gaming-wise, the casino floor here stretches 100,000 square feet, delivering around twenty-five hundred slots and seventy live tables. The Coushatta Casino also has a dedicated poker room that advertises Omaha Limit and No-Limit cash games. The Noodles Asian Restaurant and Gumbeaux’s Oyster & Sports Bar are this resort’s best dining choices.
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