Lumbee Tribe Faces Essential Vote on Proposed Casino Project

Summary:

• Lumbee Tribe members will vote June 23 on whether to amend the tribal constitution to authorize gaming.
• A proposed casino resort includes hotels, gaming facilities, a convention center, and entertainment venues.
• The project requires approval under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

The Lumbee Tribe is getting ready to decide whether they want to give the green light to a future major casino and resort development alongside Interstate 95 in North Carolina.

On June 23, 2026, tribal members will vote on a constitutional amendment that would formally authorize gaming activities on tribal lands.

The vote comes months after the federal government granted full recognition to the Tribe in December 2025, setting up the legal foundation for the community to pursue gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

The proposed project revolves around close to 255 acres of land that the Tribe purchased near Exit 10 on I-95, with plans including the Lumbee Dark Water Resort, envisioned as a regional destination for family entertainment and business tourism.

The broader project also mentions a phased development that could feature an initial gaming facility, expanded casino operations, hotels, a convention and entertainment center, retail space, a museum and heritage center, condo hotels, a leisure hotel, and even a golf course.

Pros and Cons

Community talks have, as expected, grown in intensity, with a series of tribal meetings held earlier this month involving residents from districts surrounding the proposed site.

Tribal Chairman John Lowery presented an overview of the project and its potential economic benefits, while district representatives addressed questions from community members about timelines, education efforts for elders, and governance.

According to information shared by the Tribe, provided the amendment passes, the Tribal Council would adopt a gaming ordinance that would regulate casino operations under federal oversight.

That ordinance would then require approval from the National Indian Gaming Commission, the federal body responsible for regulating tribal gaming. A separate Tribal Gaming Commission would also be established to oversee compliance and operations.

The Tribe has launched public information platforms, including LumbeesChoose.com, to outline project details and explain the voting process. A social media campaign supporting the proposal has also been created to share updates and community perspectives.

Tribal leadership has framed the project as a long term economic opportunity. In a public video, Chairman Lowery said:

Our goal is simple, to ensure and protect the Lumbee Tribe, and to make sure we have a fair opportunity to build a successful economic enterprise that benefits our people before commercial outside interests control the market.

Voting will take place in person for eligible tribal members aged 18 and older, with absentee ballots already distributed ahead of the deadline.