KINDER – The Coushatta Casino Resort continues to be a key economic engine for Allen Parish and Southwest Louisiana, generating more than 2,000 jobs which have become the driving force in the local economy, according to the tribe’s leader.

“In working closely together we have been blessed to maintain a steady level of 2,100 employees throughout the year providing living wages,” Tribal Chairman David Sickey said Friday in addressing a large crowd at the casino. “This is a very rural south with farmland and forest, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but in the middle of what some call nowhere, is one of the largest employers in the state of Louisiana and the largest employer in Allen Parish with progressive work environments and the best employee benefits. Top ranked, not just in Louisiana but nationwide.

“Our commitment to putting people, family and communities first isn’t an idea. It’s a trackable fact and also reflective of the fantastic work ethic of people who share their lives with us. Work with us. Lead with us. It’s our culture to know and value every role our associates and members provide. It is never forgotten. It is always a priority.”

From the very beginning, before any land was broken, Sickey said the tribe set forth its intentions to provide the best quality of life for the tribe, it’s neighbors and the country.

The casino continues to have a strong positive impact on job creation, drawing employees from a 10-parish surrounding area with an annual payroll plus benefits of $82.6 million annually.

At least 68 of the more than 2,000 employees are charter members.

“The Coushatta Casino Resort in its entirety is an enterprise fund for the Coushatta of Louisiana, a federally recognized Native American nation,” Sickey said.

Revenues from the casino help fund tribal members’ education, health care, social service programs, tribal police and fire services, tribal court systems, government and much more, he said.

“Twenty five years ago Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana started its humble financial beginnings as an economic enterprise in Southwest Louisiana that continues to this day,” General Manager Scott Sirois said.

In addition to providing jobs and benefits for Native Americans, the casino also generates tax revenue which helps build local roads, schools, government facilities and other infrastructures.

Last year, the Coushatta Casino Resort paid over $4.8 million to the state of Louisiana and surrounding communities.

An additional $12.7 million was paid to the federal government.

Of the $80 million spent to buy goods and services from suppliers to operate the casino in 2019, $54.7 million went directly to Louisiana owned businesses, Sickey said.

The tribe has also reinvested $100 million for future developments and expansions.

More than $115,000 in charitable contributions were also made last year to organizations including the Louisiana Lupus Foundation, Melissa Doise Hope for Miracle Foundation, St. Jude, Give A Wish Foundation and others.

Vice Chairman Kevin Sickey said the casino has came a long way since first opening its doors in January 1995.

The casino has expanded from more than 70,000 square feet of gaming and three food venues to its present 100,000 square-feet of gaming floor. Other amenities include an 18-hole golf course, two hotels, an RV park, indoor arena, 11 restaurants, banquet and conference facilities, three retail shops, a convenience store gas station and a swimming pool with lazy river and two giant slides.

A new convention center is currently under construction on the south side of casino, he said.

“After 25 years the Coushatta Casino Resort is still striving to become a casino resort,” Kevin Sickey said.

“The vision for this casino was just that at one time,” Tribal Council Member Crystal Williams said. “A dream that turned into a plan that has now become one of the nation’s top tribal casinos. Today we stand in what used to be nothing more than an empty field, now a symbol of economic growth for the city of Kinder, Allen Parish and Louisiana.

“Through this vision we are blessed with economic stability. Today we have numerous advantages to support our growing population in this once tiny town of Kinder. With over 2,000 employees we are one of the largest private employers of this state. Careers are built right here in this business in our state-of-the-art hotels, award winning restaurants, high rated golf course and on Louisiana’s largest gaming floor.”

Coushatta Princess Aniyah Williams said the opening of the casino forever changed the history of the Coushatta Tribe and economic landscape of Southwest Louisiana

The Coushatta Tribal Council continues its journey of growth and prosperity with a positive effect on thousands of families and businesses in Southwest Louisiana, she said.Coushatta-seal