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Lumbee Tribe Eyes Casino Opportunities Despite Members’ Earlier Opposition

By jili tutorial · September 18, 2026

Lumbee Tribe Eyes Casino Opportunities Despite Members’ Earlier Opposition

Overview: A Tribal Gamble on Gaming

A few months after the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina finally secured federal recognition—a long-awaited milestone—its leaders began exploring casino development. But when members voted on a proposed gaming amendment, the measure failed decisively. Now, despite promises to respect that vote, tribal officials are pursuing alternative legal paths to bring a casino to Robeson County. This article unpacks the background, the vote, the ongoing maneuvering, and what lies ahead for the largest tribe in North Carolina.

Background: Federal Recognition and the Path to Gaming

Why Federal Recognition Matters for Tribal Casinos

The Lumbee Tribe gained federal recognition through an act of Congress in late 2024, after decades of lobbying. This designation is critical because it qualifies a tribe to operate gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) of 1988. IGRA allows federally recognized tribes to conduct Class II (bingo, pull-tabs) and Class III (casino-style) gaming on trust lands, subject to a compact with the state.

Without recognition, the Lumbee could not legally open a casino. With it, they became one of the newest tribes eligible to pursue gaming revenue—a prospect that many economically disadvantaged tribes see as a path to self-sufficiency. For context, the nearby Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians operates two successful casinos in western North Carolina, generating hundreds of millions in annual revenue.

Earlier Casino Proposal Failed

Shortly after recognition, tribal officials submitted a proposal to develop a casino in Robeson County, the tribe’s historic homeland. The measure was put to a vote among the tribe’s 55,000 adult members, with 9,000 casting ballots—a turnout of roughly 16%. The result was a clear defeat: 63% voted against the casino amendment.

Why Members Voted No

Opposition came from several fronts:

At the time, Lowery stated publicly that the results of the referendum would be absolute—implying the tribe would drop casino plans if members rejected them.

Not Giving Up: The 17-1 Vote

Despite the referendum outcome, the Tribal Council voted 17-1 shortly afterward to instruct general counsel Joshua Malcolm to explore all legal pathways for a tribal casino and hospitality project. Council members insisted that the vote did not represent a blanket rejection of casinos, but rather opposition to the specific amendment’s language and governance structure.

Rethinking the Referendum’s Meaning

Council leaders argued that many of the 63% who voted “no” were actually rejecting the proposed constitutional amendment—not the idea of a casino itself. The amendment would have altered the tribe’s governing charter, and some members worried it lacked safeguards against abuse. By separating the gaming authorization from constitutional changes, the council hopes to find a more acceptable framework.

Seeking Clarification from the Lumbee Supreme Court

The Tribal Council is now considering asking the Lumbee Supreme Court (the tribe’s own judicial body) to issue a ruling on whether the council can authorize a casino without a constitutional amendment. If the court finds that existing tribal law allows gaming under a different mechanism, it could bypass the need for another member vote. This is a common legal strategy in tribal nations, where sovereignty allows for flexible interpretation of internal governance.

Drafting a New Gaming Ordinance

In parallel, the Constitution and Ordinance Committee has drafted a new gaming ordinance. Unlike the rejected amendment, this ordinance does not alter the tribe’s constitution. Instead, it creates a regulatory framework for gaming under existing authority.

The committee is now seeking public comment from tribal citizens. Members can submit written responses to share their thoughts, concerns, or support. This feedback period is intended to give the council a clearer picture of member sentiment before proceeding.

What Might a Lumbee Casino Look Like?

Proposed Location and Scale

The original proposal centered on Robeson County, the tribe’s traditional territory, which is one of the poorest counties in North Carolina. A casino could bring jobs, infrastructure, and tax revenue—though as a sovereign nation, the tribe would not pay state taxes. The project was envisioned as a full-scale resort and hospitality complex.

Potential Economic Impact

However, critics note that casinos can bring social costs, including gambling addiction, crime, and family disruption. Religious opponents also worry about the moral message.

Comparison with Other Tribal Gaming Initiatives

The Cherokee Model

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians operates two casinos (Harrah’s Cherokee and Harrah’s Valley River) under a compact with North Carolina. They generate over $200 million annually, funding scholarships, health services, and per-capita payments to members. Yet their path was also rocky: early votes were close, and opposition was vocal.

Tribes That Rejected Gaming

Not all tribes embrace casinos. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians in Alabama, for instance, faced internal opposition but eventually opened casinos. Others, like the Navajo Nation, have had multiple referendums and legal battles before approving gaming. The Lumbee situation echoes these struggles.

Current Status and Next Steps

As of now:

Key decisions will depend on:

The Bigger Picture: Sovereignty, Democracy, and Tribal Governance

The Lumbee situation highlights a tension common in tribal nations: balancing democratic member input with leadership’s vision for economic development. Tribal councils often have broad authority under their constitutions, but referendums can constrain them. Here, the council is trying to respect the vote while interpreting it narrowly—a move that critics say ignores the clear will of the majority.

Supporters counter that a 16% turnout with a 63% “no” vote does not reflect the full membership, and that a better-structured proposal might win approval. The council’s outreach for public comments on the new ordinance is an attempt to gauge that possibility.

Conclusion: Casino Still Possible, but Unresolved

The Lumbee Tribe’s casino ambitions are far from dead. Despite a failed referendum, the Tribal Council is methodically exploring every legal avenue to move forward. Whether through a court ruling, a revised ordinance, or a future vote, the goal remains the same: establish a gaming operation to boost the tribe’s economy and provide services to its members.

For now, members can participate by submitting feedback, and observers can watch how this test of tribal sovereignty and internal democracy plays out.