Majority of Lumbee Tribe voters reject casino proposal, tribal council brings back discussion
New public comment period about Lumbee gaming regulations begin Sept. 22
On June 23 Lumbee Tribe voters overwhelmingly rejected a tribal casino development plan in the first major local election since Lumbee received federal recognition in 2025.
Although 63% of Lumbee voters said no to a casino, the Lumbee tribal council insisted it was in the best interest of the tribe to pursue gaming as an option in its hospitality and entertainment master plans. On June 25, two days after the casino proposal failed, the Lumbee held an emergency meeting to approve a motion to keep the gaming discussion open.
The motion was approved by a 17-1 vote.
That set into place a motion on Aug. 20 by the tribal council to begin the process to adopt a Lumbee Gaming Ordinance. The lure of potential economic development with gaming is too much to outright reject, Lumbee leaders said. The tribal council motion argues it is essential to fund government infrastructure like public safety, education, healthcare and housing.
Lumbee citizens can submit any comments online or in person about the new Gaming Ordinance proposal until Sept. 29. Three in-person public comment events will take place across the Lumbee Nation on Sept. 22, 24 and 28.
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