Published on: April 20, 2026, 05:59h.
Updated on: April 20, 2026, 05:59h.
- Lumbee Tribe to decide on casino gaming following federal recognition achievement
- Potential casino could generate as many as 3,000 local jobs
- Robeson County site’s location along I-95 presents a strategic advantage
With federal recognition confirmed, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is set to hold a vote regarding the pursuit of casino gaming options.
Recently, the Lumbee Tribal Council passed a resolution to conduct a referendum aimed at modifying the tribe’s constitution to permit gaming activities and directed their elections board to establish a voting date. With a membership of around 60,000, the Lumbee Tribe is North Carolina’s largest tribe, allowing all enrolled members the opportunity to participate in the vote.
“The direction of our early economic development, including the potential for gaming, will be dictated by the collective desire of the Lumbee community,” stated Lumbee Chairman John Lowery in a recent address.
Historic Journey to Federal Recognition
In December 2025, the Lumbee Tribe finally received federal recognition from Congress—a long-awaited status the tribe has fought for over 130 years. This significant recognition enables the tribe to operate as a sovereign entity, allowing access to federal programs, legal rights, and opportunities to manage land trusts and conduct gaming activities as permitted under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).
Previously, the Lumbee Tribe attempted to introduce a casino in 2023, advocating for legislation that would allow four new gaming establishments in North Carolina, which included one for the tribe, but that initiative ultimately did not pass.
Currently, North Carolina is home to three casinos: two run by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and one owned by the Catawba Indian Nation.
A prospective Lumbee casino would likely be located in southeastern North Carolina, where the majority of the tribe’s members reside.
Acquisition of Land
Just prior to Congress deciding on recognition, the Lumbee Tribe discreetly invested approximately $6 million to acquire around 240 acres in Robeson County, identified as a potential site for a future casino.
Located approximately two hours east of Charlotte, this parcel sits adjacent to Interstate 95, strategically positioned to attract traffic from both regional visitors and travelers passing through.
Should it come to fruition, the Lumbee casino would stand as the only significant gaming facility along the section of the I-95 corridor between New Jersey and Florida, which could offer considerable economic benefits to the tribe.
The establishment of a Lumbee casino could serve as a vital economic stimulus, presenting opportunities for up to 3,000 jobs in a region that has experienced population decline as younger residents relocate for career opportunities elsewhere.
As the referendum approaches, Lowery mentioned in a Facebook update that he aims to collaborate with the tribal council to deliver educational materials on IGRA and comply with the federal regulations that govern gaming, alongside a preliminary revenue distribution proposal, enabling the electorate to make well-informed decisions.