Lumbee Tribe Rejects Casino Amendment, Stalling North Carolina Gaming Plans

Members of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina voted Tuesday to reject a constitutional amendment viewed as a key step toward developing a tribal casino resort, dealing a setback to tribal leaders’ gaming plans.

According to unofficial results, approximately 62% of voters opposed the amendment. More than 9,000 tribal members participated in the election.

The vote came less than a year after the Lumbee Tribe became the nation’s 575th federally recognized tribe in December 2025.

In May, tribal leadership voted 17-2 to amend its governing constitution. The tribe had already purchased 241 acres near Interstate 95 in southern Robeson County and unveiled plans for a casino resort development on the site.

In a Facebook statement following the vote, Tribal Chairman John Lowery expressed disappointment with the outcome.

A majority of the Lumbee people have spoken, and they have said no to progress and have decided to stay with the status quo,” Lowery said.

Casino Project Promised Jobs and Economic Development

Tribal leaders viewed the casino resort as transformational for one of North Carolina’s most economically challenged regions.

The development plans included a casino, hotels, restaurants, retail space, a convention center, and a golf course. Supporters projected the project would create up to 3,500 full-time jobs, with salaries beginning at approximately $45,000 annually.

The tribe purchased the land shortly after receiving recognition and promoted the development as a potential source of funding for housing, healthcare, education, and public safety programs.

Supporters also argued the tribe needed to move quickly as neighboring states continue expanding gaming opportunities.

Virginia has opened multiple commercial casinos in recent years. Meanwhile, South Carolina lawmakers have debated proposals that would allow casino development along the I-95 corridor.

Lowery has warned that competing gaming developments could emerge before the Lumbee could establish their own operation.

Governance Concerns Divided Tribal Members

Much of the debate centered on the amendment itself rather than gaming alone.

Critics argued the proposal would have eliminated the constitution’s referendum requirement for gaming, reducing direct member oversight. That, they argue, would give the chairperson too much power.

The amendment would have formally authorized the chairperson to negotiate gaming compacts with the state and nominate members to gaming and regulatory boards, subject to approval by the tribal council. It also would have codified the council’s authority to enact gaming ordinances consistent with federal law.

Opponents, including members of the group Lumbees United for Accountability, argued that the proposal went against the tribe’s constitution.

Tribal leaders countered that the constitutional amendment was necessary to address inconsistencies in the tribe’s governing documents and avoid referendum participation requirements that could be difficult to satisfy.

Others objected to casino gambling on moral or religious grounds. In a statement, elders at CrossWay Church of Pembroke argued that economic benefits should not outweigh concerns about gambling’s social impacts.

Some opponents also questioned the speed of the gaming push following federal recognition. Former North Carolina state representative Charles Graham, a member of the tribe, argued the tribe should have taken more time before pursuing a casino project.

“I think we should have celebrated federal recognition first,” Graham said as reported by The Assembly. To be honest, the ink on the federal legislation had not dried.”

Future Gaming Efforts Remain Possible

Although the vote rejects the current proposal, it does not permanently close the door on future gambling expansion.

Lowery said he would not pursue the issue again during the remaining 18 months of his term as chairman. However, tribal leaders could revisit gaming in the future through another constitutional amendment or by a referendum as outlined in the tribe’s constitution.