Lumbee Tribe Moves Toward Possible I-95 Casino After Amendment Vote

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina voted 17-2 to amend its constitution on April 16. This moves them closer to possibly constructing a casino along Interstate 95. Full membership must approve the measure at a future vote that hasn't been scheduled yet.

The amendment doesn't mention gaming by name. But the changes would let the tribal government set up regulatory oversight. They could create partnerships with developers and state agencies. The amendment also defines how revenue would be distributed among members.

"(The) Tribal Council finds it is in the best interest and welfare of the Tribe to authorize gaming activities on Tribal lands," the resolution states, according to CDC Gaming.

The tribe bought about 241 acres near I-95 in Robeson County in January. Lumbee Holdings paid $6.8 million for two properties last December. The site sits close to the South Carolina border near a major interchange on one of the East Coast's busiest travel routes.

Between 55,000 and 60,000 enrolled members belong to the tribe. Federal recognition came on December 17, 2025, after more than a century of pursuit. 

Full recognition established a government-to-government connection with the United States. That status lets the tribe pursue gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Tribal Chairman John Lowery said federal recognition alone is expected to generate $70 million to $80 million per year through federal programs. Estimates suggest a casino project could create 3,000 jobs in Robeson County.

A casino would become the fourth tribal gaming facility in the state. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians operates Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel. The Catawba Nation runs the Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain, which is opening in phases with a permanent facility expected in 2027.