Published on: June 23, 2026, 12:36h.

Updated on: June 23, 2026, 12:36h.

• The Lumbee Tribe from North Carolina is casting votes on a proposed constitutional amendment that would empower tribal officials to pursue Class III casino operations.
• If the amendment passes, tribal leaders will request federal trust status for 240 acres of land in Robeson County and negotiate a gaming compact with North Carolina Governor Josh Stein.
• The ambitious project is projected to yield a multibillion-dollar casino, over 800 hotel rooms, and a wide range of amenities.

Polling is underway in North Carolina, where Lumbee Tribe members are determining the future of a proposed casino resort along the I-95 corridor in Robeson County.

The Lumbee Tribe is evaluating a constitutional amendment permitting gaming activities on their tribal lands. If the proposal gains approval, tribal leaders will be authorized to advance their casino resort initiative.

The proposed amendment aims to empower the tribal council to negotiate a Class III gaming compact with North Carolina, appoint members to a newly established tribal gaming regulatory board, and set regulations for gaming activities on Lumbee territory.

“A ‘yes’ vote signifies support for economic independence for the Lumbee people through a tribally managed gaming and entertainment operation,” declared Lumbee Chairman John Lowery, urging tribal members to endorse the amendment.

“Our community’s challenges can find solutions through strong economic initiatives that include a regulated, safe gaming environment,” Lowery continued. “While gaming won’t be the sole growth driver, its projected success can lay the groundwork for long-term economic health and open doors for further development in various sectors.”

The envisioned project is dubbed the Lumbee Dark Water Resort, reflecting the tribe’s identity as the “People of the Dark Water.”

What’s Next if the Amendment is Approved?

North Carolina currently hosts three tribal casinos: Harrah’s Cherokee, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River, and Catawba Two Kings. Federal recognition was granted to the Lumbee Tribe via the 2025 Lumbee Fairness Act, which was added to a spending bill.

With federal recognition in hand, the tribe acquired 240 acres in Robeson, located around two hours east of Charlotte, for $6 million. Should the outcome of today’s vote favor the casino project, Lowery indicated that the tribe would “move forward with gaming pursuits.”

Governor Stein expressed support for the Lumbee Fairness Act and acknowledged the tribe’s recognition in December 2025.

“The Lumbee Tribe’s rich history in North Carolina predates the state’s own,” Stein stated. “Achieving full federal recognition will grant members access to numerous benefits like healthcare, education, housing, childcare, and disaster relief that are available to other federally recognized tribes. These resources will foster economic opportunities for both the tribe and the local community.”

Lumbee Dark Water Resort Plans

The creation of the Lumbee Dark Water Resort is envisioned as a multi-phase, multibillion-dollar project expected to span several years.

The tribe plans to have over 800 hotel accommodations, including 240 designated as family units with three to four bedrooms. Alongside a casino featuring thousands of slot machines and more than 100 table games, the resort’s design incorporates a water park, an 18-hole golf course, multiple swimming facilities, an art gallery, a tribal heritage center and museum, a meeting hall, and a retail shopping area.

Additional features will include a convention center, entertainment spaces, a spa and wellness facility, along with various dining and bar options.