Lumbee Tribe Weighs Plans for an Interstate 95 Casino

Leaders of the Lumbee Tribe are considering whether to open a casino along one of the busiest highways on the East Coast. The decision could decide the tribe’s economic future. The proposed amendment to the tribe’s constitution successfully passed the committee stage, reaching a possible vote before the Tribal Council. If approved, Lumbee citizens will have the final say on whether gaming should move forward.

Tribal Casinos Can Support Local Communities

According to a recent report by Business North Carolina, many people within the tribe believe that casino expansion holds greater significance than just profits. The proposal follows a historic moment for the Lumbee in their long campaign to obtain federal recognition. Such a status grants access to federal funding streams and new economic development opportunities, including gaming expansion.

The discussion focuses on a 240-acre plot of land purchased late last year in Robeson County. The property rests just off Interstate 95, one of the major routes between the Northeast and Florida. A casino could generate significant revenue streams, supporting public services and building projects while creating employment opportunities in a region that has faced economic difficulties.

Similar tribal projects have generated substantial financial benefits. Casinos in western North Carolina run by the Cherokee Nation have become major employers, while the Catawba Nation has also entered the market with its own gaming operations. A new Lumbee casino could follow these examples, using its prime location to attract travelers and tourists.

The Amendment Has Drawn Mixed Reactions

While Lumbee leaders acknowledged the financial benefits of a casino, they also focused on several other matters included in the amendment. Tribal Chairman John Lowery emphasized that the reforms aim to reaffirm the tribe’s recognition. He stressed that casino gaming is only one possible path forward.

The proposed amendment would give the chairman and council authority to negotiate and approve agreements tied to a casino project, including partnerships, oversight bodies, and regulatory structures. According to supporters, the system would streamline the process while still requiring a direct vote from the membership before any development begins. If the council approves the amendment, a referendum could take place as soon as this summer.

I’m looking at the membership to give us a mandate about whether we will do this. It’s about giving as many people the opportunity to vote as possible.

Alex Baker, Lumbee Tribal Council representative

However, the development is not without critics. Some tribe members worry that the amendment would concentrate decision-making power in the hands of a select few individuals, shifting too much control away from rank-and-file members. The vote is expected to draw thousands, giving the outcome additional significance regardless of whether members support or oppose gaming.