Lumbee Leaders Call Emergency Meeting After Casino Amendment Rejected

Vote Ends Current Casino Proposal

The June 2026 referendum marked the first major constitutional vote since the Lumbee Tribe received federal recognition in December 2025. The amendment would have granted the tribal chairman authority to negotiate and manage gaming operations, clearing the way for a casino and resort project on more than 240 acres the tribe purchased along I-95.

With the amendment's defeat, the proposed Dark Water Resort - which included gaming, a hotel, golf course, and entertainment venues - will not move forward. Chairman John Lowery has stated he will not revisit gaming during the remainder of his term.

Supporters Saw Gaming as a Path to Economic Growth

Supporters of the amendment argued that gaming could provide long-term revenue for tribal programs, including housing, education, and health services. Many pointed to the success of other tribal gaming operations in the region as a model for sustainable economic development.

Some members expressed disappointment after the vote, saying the tribe missed an opportunity to build a modern economic engine on land already purchased for development. For them, the I-95 property represented a chance to create jobs, expand tribal services, and strengthen the tribe's financial independence.

Opponents Cited Transparency and Governance Concerns

Opponents of the amendment said the proposal concentrated too much authority in the office of the chairman and lacked sufficient oversight. Others felt the process moved too quickly following federal recognition, without enough time for community discussion or alternative governance structures.

Former state representative and tribal member Charles Graham said he voted against the measure because he believed the amendment was too broad and should not be tied solely to gaming. For many opponents, the issue was less about gaming itself and more about how power would be exercised and monitored under the proposed changes.

Voting Access Issues Sparked Frustration

One of the most contentious issues surrounding the referendum was voting access. Only Lumbee citizens living in the tribe's four-county service area were eligible to vote. Thousands of Lumbee citizens living outside the region - including many in Raleigh, Charlotte, and out of state - were unable to participate in the decision.

Several members interviewed by local media expressed frustration that no absentee or online voting options were offered. For those living away from the service area, the vote raised broader questions about representation, inclusion, and how the tribe will engage its dispersed citizenry in future decisions.

Emergency Meeting Called to Address Next Steps

Tribal leaders have scheduled an emergency meeting to discuss concerns raised during the referendum and to consider how the tribe should move forward. Topics expected to be addressed include:

• Community concerns about transparency and governance
• Voting access and potential reforms for future elections
• The future of the I-95 property and possible non-gaming uses
• Whether alternative economic development strategies should be explored

The meeting is expected to draw significant attention as the tribe considers how to heal divisions and chart a path forward after a closely watched and emotionally charged vote.

Future of the I-95 Property Remains Uncertain

The Lumbee Tribe purchased the I-95 land in late 2025 and early 2026 for more than $6 million. With gaming now off the table, tribal leaders must decide whether to pursue alternative development, hold the land for future use, or revisit the issue under a different structure at a later time.

For now, the casino proposal is officially halted. The decisions made in the coming months will shape not only the future of the I-95 property, but also the tribe's broader economic strategy in the wake of federal recognition.