The U.S. regional gaming market experienced a week of sharp contrasts. While Texas and Illinois moved forward with major investments in new casinos and hospitality developments, Mississippi reported softer gaming revenue in May, highlighting the growing competition among regional gaming destinations.
In Leggett, Texas, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas officially launched construction of the future Naskila Casino Resort, a project that will transform the tribe’s current gaming operation into one of the most ambitious casino developments in the state. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on June 18, 2026, across approximately 95 acres of tribal land, led by Tribal Chairman Ricky Sylestine, Vice Chairwoman Nita Battise, Second Chief Herbert Johnson, and Interim Chief Operating Officer Keith Sherrer.
Scheduled for completion in late 2028, the resort will feature approximately 3,400 gaming machines, a 366-room hotel, event facilities, restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and a resort-style pool. Before the permanent resort opens, the tribe plans to launch a temporary 24-hour gaming facility during the summer of 2026 featuring 300 electronic bingo machines, a deli, player rewards club and approximately 300 parking spaces, creating an estimated 110 new jobs. Naskila already generates roughly US$251 million annually in regional economic impact and supports more than 1,000 permanent jobs, making it one of the most important economic engines in Polk County.
PENN Entertainment, led by CEO Jay Snowden, confirmed that the new Hollywood Casino Aurora in Aurora, Illinois, will open on June 24, 2026. The US$360 million land-based resort, located adjacent to Chicago Premium Outlets and Interstate 88, will replace the city’s longtime riverboat casino operation.
The new property will feature more than 1,200 gaming positions, a retail sports book, a 226-room hotel, Drift Spa, a 12,000-square-foot event center, outdoor entertainment areas and approximately 1,700 parking spaces.
Dining will be a major attraction. The resort will include Sorella by Giada, developed by celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, alongside Lucky Goat, operated by Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard. Financing includes US$225 million from Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc. (GLPI), in addition to financial support from the City of Aurora.
While Texas and Illinois are expanding, Mississippi reported US$217.9 million in casino revenue during May 2026, a 2.6% year-over-year decline, according to the Mississippi Gaming Commission. Slot machines generated US$181.1 million, table games produced US$29.8 million, and retail sports betting contributed US$1.9 million.
The Coastal Region remained the state's strongest gaming market with US$143.8 million in revenue, while the Northern Region recorded the sharpest decline. Texas and Aurora are investing heavily in next-generation integrated casino resorts designed to attract tourism, entertainment and convention business, while mature markets such as Mississippi face increasing pressure from new regional competition.
