Lumbee Tribe's Casino Plan

Lumbee Tribe: A Brief History and the Path Toward a Casino Opportunity

The Lumbee Tribe's long pursuit of federal recognition and economic self-determination has entered a new era,opening the door to a potential casino in southeastern North Carolina. The tribe, one of the largest east ofthe Mississippi, has spent more than a century seeking full acknowledgment of its sovereignty - a status finallygranted in December 2025 after decades of congressional attempts.

A century-long fight for recognition

The Lumbee were partially recognized under the Lumbee Act of 1956, but the law explicitly denied access tofederal Indian programs and benefits available to other tribes. This partial status left the tribe without theability to place land into trust or pursue gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). Full federalrecognition on December 17, 2025, changed that landscape entirely, establishing a government-to-governmentrelationship with the United States and unlocking access to federal programs and economic development tools.

Economic development and the casino question

Federal recognition immediately revived long-standing discussions about a Lumbee-owned casino. The tribe hadpreviously supported state legislation in 2023 that would have authorized a gaming facility, but the bill failed.With recognition secured, the tribe now has the legal authority to negotiate a gaming compact and pursue casinodevelopment under IGRA.

Strategic land purchase along I-95

In late 2025 and early 2026, the Lumbee Tribe purchased approximately 240-241 acres of land along Interstate 95in Robeson County for at least $6 million. The site sits near a major interchange on one of the East Coast'sbusiest travel corridors - a location analysts say could support a large-scale casino resort and generatethousands of jobs in one of North Carolina's most economically distressed regions.

Constitutional amendments set the framework

In April 2026, the Lumbee Tribal Council voted 17-2 to advance a constitutional amendment establishing thegovernance framework needed for gaming. The amendment outlines regulatory authority, compact approval, andoversight structures required before any casino development can occur. The full tribal membership must approvethe measure in a referendum.

A turning point for the Lumbee Nation

Tribal Chairman John Lowery has emphasized that the decision belongs to the Lumbee people. If approved, a casinocould anchor a broader economic development district including retail, hospitality, and entertainment amenities.If rejected, the land may instead be developed into a business and industrial park.