The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has voted against a proposal that would have opened the door to casino gaming, marking a major turning point just months after gaining full federal recognition.
In a special election held in June 2026, tribal members rejected a constitutional amendment that would have allowed leaders to move forward with gaming development. Unofficial results show about 62% voted “No,” while 38% supported the measure. Roughly 9,000 enrolled members participated in the vote.
The decision keeps the tribe from pursuing casino operations for now, maintaining what Tribal Chairman John Lowery described as the “status quo.” But discussions about legalizing casinos and online casinos continue in South Carolina.
What the Amendment Would Have Done
The proposed amendment, approved earlier by the Lumbee Tribal Council in a 17-2 vote, aimed to lay the legal groundwork for gaming. If passed, it would have:
- Allowed the tribe to create its own gaming regulatory system
- Given tribal leadership authority to negotiate compacts with the state
- Removed key governance barriers to launching a casino project
These changes were seen as necessary steps under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), which governs tribal gaming in the United States.
Why Gaming Was on the Table
The Lumbee Tribe gained full federal recognition in December 2025, a milestone that gave it new rights—including the ability to pursue gaming on tribal lands.
Before the vote, the tribe had already secured about 241 acres along Interstate 95 in Robeson County. Plans for the site included a casino, hotel, golf course, and retail space.
Supporters argued the project could transform the local economy. Leaders estimated it could create thousands of jobs and generate billions in economic impact in a region that has long faced high poverty rates.
Chairman Lowery made the stakes clear before the vote, stating that if the amendment passed, the tribe would move forward with gaming. If it failed, those plans would stop.
Why Members Voted No
Despite the potential economic benefits, many tribal members had concerns about the proposal.
Opponents raised several key issues:
- Fear of social impacts tied to gambling
- Concerns about transparency and potential mismanagement
- Worries about shifting power away from voters to tribal leadership
- Cultural and values-based objections to casino development
Some members also felt the vote was being framed too simply as a yes-or-no decision on gaming. Critics argued the amendment involved broader governance changes that deserved closer scrutiny.
“It’s just disappointing at how this vote was portrayed,” said Robin Branch, a tribal member. “It is not that clear-cut.”
External concerns also played a role, with some local groups questioning how a casino might affect nearby businesses and communities.
What Happens Next
With the amendment rejected, the Lumbee Tribe will not move forward with casino gaming at this time.
Chairman Lowery acknowledged the outcome, stating that the vote reflects the will of the people. The land originally intended for the casino project could now be used for other types of development, such as an industrial or business park.
This vote represents the first major decision by the Lumbee Tribe since gaining federal recognition. It shows that, for now, many members prefer a path focused on non-gaming economic growth.
Still, the conversation around gaming may not be over. As the tribe continues to explore ways to build long-term economic stability, the issue could return in a different form in the future.
