Lumbee Tribe Considers Casino Project Following Major Land Acquisition
The Lumbee Tribe’s Strategic Land Acquisition
The Lumbee Tribe has recently made a significant move by acquiring approximately 240 acres of land along Interstate 95 in Robeson County, North Carolina. This acquisition marks a potential turning point in the gaming industry of eastern North Carolina, as it could pave the way for the state’s first casino east of Charlotte.
This $6 million purchase coincided with the federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe by Congress, a milestone that had been long awaited by the tribe. The newly bought land is mostly undeveloped farmland located south of Lumberton, near the junction of Chicken Road and I-95, close to the I-74 interchange, offering convenient access for travelers across the region.
The Tribe’s Decision-Making Process
What the tribe decides to do with this property remains undecided. Lumbee Chairman John Lowery, who also serves in the state legislature, has emphasized that the future use of the land will be determined based on the wishes of the Lumbee people.
Lowery shared in a recent video message that the tribe is considering various development options. Should the tribe’s members support a casino, plans would extend beyond simple gaming. The envisioned facility would be a resort-style destination featuring amenities such as shopping outlets, a golf course, a Top Golf-style venue, a water park, or similar attractions.
On the other hand, if the tribe opts against establishing a casino, the land would be transformed into a business and industrial park, fostering economic development through other channels.
Potential Benefits Regardless of Outcome
Chairman Lowery highlighted that both development paths promise significant economic benefits for the community and the wider region. He noted that current laws and policies encourage corporate investment in the area, which could result in thousands of jobs and substantial economic growth.
At present, casino gaming in North Carolina is offered exclusively by federally recognized tribes in Cherokee, Murphy, and Kings Mountain. The Lumbee Tribe had previously only been recognized at the state level, which limited its ability to operate casinos legally until recently.
The land recently purchased, alongside existing tribal properties such as the headquarters and cultural center in Pembroke, will soon be designated as part of a federal land trust. This status provides essential protections that will secure the tribe’s long-term interests.
Lowery also pointed to the positive impact of tribal gaming seen elsewhere in the state, specifically mentioning the economic success of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in western North Carolina and the rapid development of the Catawba tribe in the Metrolina region.
