The leadership of the Lumbee Tribe in North Carolina has voted overwhelmingly, with a 17-2 margin, to amend its constitution, marking a significant initial step towards establishing a casino along Interstate 95. This decision follows the tribe's acquisition of 241 acres of land in January, shortly after achieving full federal recognition in December 2025.
While the amendment does not specifically mention gaming, it clearly indicates the tribe's intentions as it moves forward with plans for a casino, which could serve its approximately 55,000 to 60,000 enrolled members. Following the Tribal Council's decision, the entire tribe must ratify the amendment for it to take effect.
The proposed amendment aims to enhance the governance framework of the Lumbee Tribe, granting it the authority to implement regulations, manage internal affairs, and oversee economic activities. If accepted, the changes would facilitate regulatory oversight, foster partnerships with developers and state agencies, and outline how revenue from any future gaming operations would be allocated.
After a century-long pursuit of federal recognition, the Lumbee Tribe finally achieved full acknowledgment on December 17, 2025. This recognition allows them to engage in gaming activities under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and to place land into federal trust, a crucial step for establishing a tribal casino.
Tribal Chairman John Lowery has indicated that federal recognition alone could generate between $70 million and $80 million annually through various federal programs. Following this recognition, the tribe swiftly moved to purchase land near I-95 in Robeson County, strategically located close to the South Carolina border.
This site is situated near a key interchange on one of the busiest travel routes on the East Coast, providing the visibility and access essential for large-scale casino operations. Projections suggest that a casino could create around 3,000 jobs, significantly impacting Robeson County, which is one of the most economically challenged areas in North Carolina.
If realized, the Lumbee casino would be the fourth tribal casino in the state, joining existing establishments such as Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel, and Catawba Two Kings Casino. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians operates the two Harrah’s casinos, while the Catawba Nation is developing the Two Kings Casino, which is set to open in phases with a permanent facility anticipated by 2027.
There have been tensions among tribes regarding casino competition and recognition efforts, particularly as both the Catawba and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians opposed Lumbee federal recognition during a Senate hearing in November 2025, citing concerns over gaming competition.
The Lumbee Tribe's initiative comes on the heels of unsuccessful attempts to establish a casino across the border in South Carolina, where lawmakers have considered a constitutional amendment related to an I-95 casino corridor project aimed at revitalizing economically disadvantaged areas.
A Lumbee casino near the South Carolina border could attract patrons from both states, benefiting from a lack of competition in the region. However, several steps remain before the casino becomes a reality, including tribal membership approval of the constitutional amendment and federal land-into-trust approval.