Lumbee Tribe Sets Election to Decide Future Casino
PEMBROKE, N.C. - May 7, 2026
The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina will hold a special election on June 23, 2026, asking tribalcitizens to vote on constitutional amendments that could authorize casino gaming on tribal land. The vote marks the most consequential decision facing the tribe since achieving full federal recognition in December 2025.
What the election will decide
The ballot will include amendments granting the Tribal Council authority to:
- Approve any gaming compact negotiated by the Tribal Chairperson
- Confirm nominees to a tribal gaming regulatory board
- Enact ordinances to permit, license, and regulate gaming activities
These changes would create the legal and regulatory structure required for a Lumbee casino under IGRA.A simple majority is needed for passage.
Why the vote matters
The amendments serve as both authorization for gaming and the establishment of a regulatory framework.Tribal leaders note that a straightforward "yes/no" gaming question would still require a second ordinanceto create a regulatory body. By placing the full framework into a single referendum, the tribe ensures thata "yes" vote immediately enables the next steps toward casino development.
$3,000 Casino Welcome Bonus!The land at stake
The Lumbee Tribe recently purchased roughly 240-241 acres along Interstate 95 in Robeson County for more than$6 million. If voters approve gaming, the site could become home to a casino resort, shopping outlets, a golfor driving range, a water park, or other attractions. If voters reject gaming, the land may be developed intoa business and industrial park aimed at attracting major employers.
Who can vote
The tribe will close its enrollment rolls on May 22, and all voters must have updated enrollmentcards. Online enrollment closes May 13. With an estimated 55,000-60,000 enrolled members, theLumbee Tribe is the largest in North Carolina, and all eligible citizens may participate in the referendum.
A defining moment for the Lumbee Nation
Chairman John Lowery has framed the election as a pivotal choice in shaping the tribe's economic future.Whether the Lumbee pursue gaming or take a different development path, the June 23 vote will determine thedirection of the tribe's newly recognized era of sovereignty.
