United States, October 19, 2026. The Lumbee Tribal Council approved Ordinance CLLO-2026-1015-04 on October 15, by a 14–2 vote, establishing the regulatory framework for developing a casino in Robeson County, North Carolina, despite opposition from 62% of participants in a referendum held on June 23.
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The proposal involves an integrated resort near Interstates 95 and 74, close to Lumberton, on approximately 240 acres (97 hectares) acquired for US$6.8 million in December 2025 through Lumbee Holdings. The development includes a casino, two hotels, museum, cultural center, convention center, condominiums, entertainment facilities, and golf course, although no total investment or opening date has been confirmed.
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Alex Baker
Alex Baker, Tribal Council Speaker, and Joshua Malcolm, Tribal General Counsel, promoted the regulatory framework. Larry Soles introduced the motion, seconded by Carrington Locklear, while Harold Smith and Graylen Mitchell voted against it.
John L. Lowery
The ordinance establishes two entities: the Lumbee Gaming Commission, responsible for regulatory oversight, and the Lumbee Gaming Authority, responsible for commercial operations. Each will have five members, serving three-year and four-year terms, respectively. The latter is expected to receive US$350,000 in initial funding.
Josh Stein
Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery has ten days to certify the ordinance. Potential community referendums are being considered for December 10 or 15, although neither date has been officially confirmed. The tribe obtained full federal recognition under the Lumbee Fairness Act of December 18, 2025, formally recorded on January 30, 2026.
Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, a Class III casino requires legally eligible land, approval from the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), and a tribal-state compact with North Carolina. Governor Josh Stein would serve as the state's negotiating counterpart; Doug Burgum heads the Department of the Interior, while William Kirkland and Sharon Avery serve on the NIGC. No operating license or approved tribal-state compact has yet been secured.
