Territories of Origins and History

As included below, the tribe's website (alabama-coushatta.com) has valuable and concise information on the tribe's origins as well as its history. 

The Jack Abramoff Scandal

In 2006, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe filed a federal lawsuit accusing ex-lobbyist Jack Abramoff, former Christian Coalition leader Ralph Reed, and others of fraud and racketeering to close down their casino (Gamboa, 2006). The tribe alleged that the defendants, "defrauded the tribe, the people of Texas and the Legislature to benefit another of Abramoff's clients — the Louisiana Coushatta tribe — and 'line their pockets with money,'" (Seidman, 2006), further stating that this led to the permanent closure of their casino, loss of jobs, and economic setbacks. Seeking compensation for lost revenue, the tribe wanted the right to run their own gaming operations and equitable opportunities. The tribe claimed that Abramoff and Reed conspired against legislation that would have allowed them to operate gaming on their reservation.

"Abramoff pleaded guilty in January 2006 to fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy to bribe public officials by showering them with gifts," (Tran, 2010). The Alabama-Coushatta tribe also reached a settlement with Abramoff in 2007.  Regarding the settlement, tribal Chairwoman Jo Ann Battise remarked, "We are satisfied with the settlement, and we are pleased to have the Abramoff matter resolved. We are now focused on restoring our right to game so that we may create employment and business opportunities for us and our neighbors," (Ratcliffe, 2007).

Abramoff served three-and-a-half years in prison. Upon his release from prison in 2010, Abramoff was working in a pizzeria in Baltimore, Maryland. 

In May 2016, the Naskila Casino opened on Alabama-Coushatta reservation land.