North Carolina Casino Map Could Change After Lumbee Recognition

The Lumbee Tribe has acquired a large parcel of land in southeastern North Carolina, a move that has opened the door to new economic development options following recent federal recognition.

Good to Know

• The Lumbee Tribe purchased 240 acres in Robeson County for $6 million
• Federal recognition arrived in December through a congressional spending bill
• Any casino plan would require approval from the Lumbee community

The Lumbee Tribe confirmed the purchase of 240 acres of undeveloped farmland in Robeson County earlier this week. Local reporting says the land acquisition has prompted early discussions about long term economic use, including the possibility of a casino development.

Federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe came in December when Congress included language in a spending bill that President Trump later signed into law. That action formally recognized the tribe at the federal level after decades of advocacy. With that status now in place, new options have become available, including gaming under federal tribal law.

Tribal leaders stressed that no final decisions have been made. Chairman John Lowery, who also serves as a Republican state representative, said future development will depend on community input rather than a preset plan. In his words:

“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.”

Lowery indicated that even if gaming moves forward, the project would likely extend beyond a casino floor. Early concepts discussed publicly include a mixed use destination with entertainment, retail, and recreation elements.

He said potential development could include a shopping center, golf course, water park, or other attractions. If the Lumbee community rejects gaming through a referendum, the land could instead support a business and industrial park.

North Carolina currently allows only a small number of casinos, all operated by tribes. Existing properties are located in Cherokee, Murphy, and Kings Mountain. Federal recognition places the Lumbee Tribe in a position to potentially join that group, pending regulatory and community steps.

A casino on the Robeson County site would mark the first such property east of Charlotte. The location also sits near the South Carolina border, creating the possibility of attracting visitors from a neighboring state that does not yet permit commercial casinos.

In parallel with development planning, the Lumbee Tribe is working to place the newly purchased land into federal trust. The same process applies to the tribal headquarters and cultural center. Trust status would provide protections such as shielding the land from eminent domain.

Beyond casino development, the region already plays a role in the broader gaming landscape. Harrah Cherokee properties in Cherokee and Murphy both operate poker rooms and continue to draw national tournament traffic.

The Cherokee property remains a regular stop on the World Series of Poker Circuit schedule. Another WSOP Circuit series is scheduled to run from Feb. 12 to 23.

The venue also hosted a WSOP Circuit stop in December. Derek Sein-Lwin claimed the main event title after topping a field of 1,190 entries. The win paid $281,514 and delivered his first championship gold ring.

The post North Carolina Casino Map Could Change After Lumbee Recognition appeared first on iGaming.org.