In the US, East Texas could be seeing its first casino as the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas believes it has the right to build a casino on its 10,000-acre site.

Following a legal challenge by the tribe to the US Department of Interior and the National Indian Gaming Commission, who found in favour of the tribe, the casino could be open by early next year.

“This would be a big shot in the arm,” said Carlos Bullock, a spokesman for the tribe, who said that the clan has struggled financially since its first casino was shut down by the state in 2002.