Lumbee Tribe Moves Closer to I-95 Casino Project

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has taken a major step toward developing a casino, after its governing body approved changes to the tribe’s constitution that would allow gaming activities on tribal land. The decision, backed by a 17-2 vote during a mid-April council meeting, sets the stage for a broader vote among tribal members, whose approval will determine whether the plan moves forward.

New Framework Prepares Tribe for Potential Gaming Ventures

The proposed amendment represents a key milestone in the tribe’s long-term economic strategy. While the revised language does not authorize casino operations, it establishes the legal and administrative groundwork needed for regulating such ventures. If adopted, the updated framework would enable the tribal government to oversee commercial projects, form partnerships, and outline how potential revenues could be managed, reported the North State Journal.

Tribal leadership has emphasized that the initiative aims to improve economic conditions for members. Chairman John Lowery indicated that expanding into gaming could provide substantial financial benefits, complementing federal funding expected after the tribe secured full federal recognition in late 2025. That recognition ended decades of limited status and opened the door to new opportunities, including eligibility for federal programs and the ability to pursue gaming under national regulations.

After gaining recognition, the tribe moved to position itself for development. Through its business arm, it acquired roughly 240 acres of land along Interstate 95 in Robeson County for $6.8 million. The location, near a major transportation corridor, is seen as attractive for a large-scale entertainment venue that could draw visitors from across the region, including neighboring South Carolina.

Lumbee Casino Plan Promises Jobs but Faces Key Hurdles

Estimates suggest that a casino project could generate around 3,000 jobs, offering a major boost to the local economy in one of the state’s most challenged areas. On top of that, the development could stimulate surrounding businesses and infrastructure.

If completed, the Lumbee casino would become the fourth tribal gaming facility in North Carolina, joining existing venues operated by other Native American tribes. Still, competition in the sector remains a sensitive issue. Other tribes in the state have voiced concerns about market saturation and opposed the Lumbees’ recognition efforts during federal hearings last year.

Even with the progress, several hurdles remain. The constitutional amendment must first be approved by the tribe’s full membership. Beyond that, the land designated for the casino would need to be placed into federal trust, followed by negotiations with the state for a gaming compact and further regulatory approvals.

While the process could take years, the Lumbee Tribe’s recent actions signal a clear commitment to turning the long-discussed casino project into reality.