A federally recognized tribe in North Carolina is considering using a recently purchased piece of land to build a casino and entertainment district.
According to property records, the Lumbee Tribe has purchased approximately 241 acres of land in Robeson County that sits next to Interstate 95. The piece of land was purchased through Lumbee Holdings, Inc., a company owned by the Lumbee Tribe that aids in the development of programs and services for tribal members. Ownership of the property has since been transferred to the tribe, paving a pathway for a new casino.
The 241 acres were sold to Lumbee Holdings in a deal valued at roughly $6 million.
“This property, along with the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center, the Tribal Administration Building, and several other tribal assets, will eventually be placed into trust with the United States government,” Lumbee Tribe Chairman John Lowery told The Robesonian earlier this month. “The land-into-trust process is one of the most important tools available to our tribal nations since we became federally recognized, and we will move forward with these actions when the time is right and in the best interest of our people.”
Potential plans for the tribe’s newly acquired land
The Lumbee Tribe voiced a desire to turn the undeveloped land into a potential gaming destination that can also attract visitors by providing access to a retail shopping outlet, a golf course, or similar attractions. The tribe wants to bring North Carolina its first casino east of Charlotte but will only do so with the backing of its members. A development plan for a retail casino and entertainment district will be put forth for a vote by tribal members.
“What form of economic development we take early on in this new era, whether gaming is part of our future or not, will be determined by the will of the Lumbee people,” said Lowery in a video message published last week.
The Lumbee Tribe also has a contingency plan if members vote against the development of a casino and entertainment district, with plans to use the land as a hub for businesses.
“Existing laws and policies create powerful incentives for corporations to invest in our community,” continued Lowery. “Either of these options can lead to thousands of jobs and be an economic boon, not just for our tribal territory, but for this entire region of the state.”
The Lumbee Tribe has yet to announce when its voting process will take place.
New recognition for the Lumbee Tribe
The Lumbee Tribe is exploring the development of a land-based casino after receiving full federal recognition in December 2025, after more than 100 years of attempting to receive certain federal resources that are allocated toward federally recognized tribes in the U.S.
The tribe received the recognition with President Donald Trump signing the $900 billion defense spending bill last month, a bill that included the Lumbee Fairness Act. The Lumbee Fairness Act was first introduced in 2022 before its eventual passing in 2025.
New tribal casino set to open in North Carolina
The Lumbee Tribe wants to bring a new casino to North Carolina as the Catawba Nation is preparing to open a $1 billion, 2 million square-foot resort and casino by the end of 2027.
The Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort will be 35 miles from Charlotte. The resort will have a 24-story hotel and a casino floor that will house 4,300 slot machines and 11 dining outlets.
Last year, Catawba Two Kings Casino prepared for its launch by securing a multiyear partnership with the Carolina Panthers. The deal provides Catawba Two Kings Casino with marketing during the team’s home games at Bank of America Stadium. Catawba Two Kings Casino is currently operating a temporary retail casino outside of Charlotte.
