The Lumbee Tribe, which was granted long-sought full federal recognition in December, will vote Tuesday on constitutional amendments that would clear the way for the tribe to build a casino in southeastern North Carolina.
The Lumbees have a proposed resort and development that includes two hotels, a museum and heritage center, a casino, a convention and entertainment center, condos and a golf course. You can check out the initial renderings and concepts below:
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“If the amendment passes, the Lumbee Tribe will pursue gaming,” Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery said in a video announcement to members of the tribe. “If it does not pass, we will not. If you vote yes, you are voting for economic sovereignty for the Lumbee people through a tribally owned gaming and entertainment operation.”
The special election is for tribal members enrolled as of May 22. Passage requires a simple majority of the vote. The Tribal Council voted to put several changes to the constitution on the ballot. The tribe has more than 55,000 members.
The polls are open from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. and voters can cast their ballots at 21 locations in Pembroke, Rowland, Laurinburg, Lumberton, Fayetteville, Maxton, Wagram, Shannon and Red Springs.
The Lumbees say that they are moving quickly on the issue because South Carolina is considering allowing commercial casinos along I-95, including near Dillon, which is 10 miles from the proposed Lumbee site.
One amendment would give the council the authority to:
- Approve any gaming agreement negotiated by the tribal chairperson.
- Confirm the tribal chairperson’s nomination of all members to the board of any tribal gaming regulatory body and any tribal gaming enterprise.
- Enact tribal ordinances that permit, license, regulate or otherwise govern gaming activities, consistent with tribal, federal and other applicable laws.
Another amendment would expand the definition of the territory of the Lumbee Tribe to include “any additional lands acquired by the tribe or by the United States on behalf or for the benefit of the tribe.”
The Lumbee bought 240 acres of land off Interstate 95 in Robeson County late last year, paying at least $6 million for the land, which could be used for a casino.
“While gaming will not be the only tool for economic growth, its projected scale and profitability can provide the foundation for long-term economic prosperity and create opportunities for additional development in other areas,” Lowery said.
He said the governance structure that would be implemented as a result of the amendments passing is the same as the one used by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The EBCI operates two casinos in far western North Carolina.
If the vote passes Tuesday, it would establish a process by which the chairman nominates members to gaming authorities and commissions, subject to confirmation by the council. The chairman would also gain the authority to negotiate a gaming compact with the state.
“This is about protecting tribal sovereignty, ensuring accountability and creating lasting generational prosperity for the Lumbee people,” Lowery said in his message to the tribe. “Tribal economic development should serve one purpose: directly benefiting the citizens of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina — today, tomorrow and for future generations.”
The Lumbee sought full federal recognition for decades and the additional federal rights and benefits that come along with it. Congress approved full recognition of the tribe, which has territory in Robeson, Hoke, Scotland and Cumberland counties, in the defense appropriations bill in late 2025.
