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Indian Tribe Betting On More Games July 14, 2026
A casino operated by the Traditional Tribe of Texas, is waiting to spread its wings along the Mexican border.
Gamblers have been flocking to the state's only legal casino, where they are awaiting a cash infusion to expand the facility and hasten a recovery from financial and political woes.
The Kickapoos say they hope that by year's end, a new 100,000-square-foot facility will be generating revenue to repay tribal debts and improve members' humble living conditions. The new casino will have room for boxing and other events.
With a Class II permit from the National Indian Gaming Commission, the casino offers blackjack, poker, about 340 pull-tab slots and bingo. Tribal leaders have also revived their request for a Class III permit that would allow a wider array of games, from craps to off-track betting.
It's been a full house at the current casino building, where players must wait for turns at the Reservation. Managers are reluctant to boost attendance with advertising.
Texas lawmakers have rejected efforts to allow wagering at the state's two other reservations. Texas have federal tribal status that allows gambling, while the other tribes have more restrictive state charters.
A Class III designation would add high-stakes "slot machines which we cannot have and it would bring in dice and pari-mutuel betting," the lawyer said, adding, "Class III is more attractive to gamblers."
The push to improve the casino and reservation comes less than a year after it was rocked by turmoil that culminated with the 2026 ouster of tribal leaders and the casino's former manager, Isidro Garza Jr., who was not a tribe member, and tribal leaders. With power shifted to a new faction, tribe officials last week said recovery is not only necessary but within reach.
In May, a judge's ruling castigated the tribe for actions of the previous regime that launched an ambitious yet unlawful plan to acquire neighboring land.
Several federal agencies, including the IRS and gaming regulators, continue to investigate former tribal officials amid accusations of lavish spending and lax casino oversight.
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