- Details
- By Chez Oxendine
- Gaming
Lumbee voters decisively rejected a proposed constitutional amendment Tuesday night that would have authorized the tribe to pursue gaming and cleared the way for a casino and entertainment complex along Interstate 95.
The referendum was the first major test of tribal direction since the Lumbee Tribe tribe gained full federal recognition in December 2025. According to reporting by The Robesonian, unofficial results showed 5,775 voters opposing the amendment and 3,490 supporting it — a 63-37% split. The “no” vote prevailed in all 21 precincts, and absentee ballots also leaned heavily against the measure. Certification by the Tribal Elections Board is still pending.
The amendment, approved 17–2 by the tribe’s council in April, would have rewritten several sections of the Tribal Constitution. The amendment would have expanded the tribe’s territorial definition to include newly acquired lands, granted the tribal council authority to approve gaming compacts and regulate gaming enterprises, and empowered the tribal chairperson to negotiate compacts and nominate members to gaming regulatory bodies. It also would have removed existing language requiring a referendum for ordinances authorizing gaming.
Supporters argued the measure was essential to advancing the proposed Dark Water Resort — a casino, hotel, golf course and entertainment complex planned for a 240‑acre tract the tribe purchased for more than $6 million along Interstate 95.
According to reporting by ABC11, supporters said the project could generate revenue for education, health care, housing and other services, while positioning the tribe competitively against potential casino development in neighboring South Carolina.
Opposition, however, was organized and focused on governance. The Robesonian reported that the group Lumbees United for Accountability argued the amendment concentrated too much authority in the tribal chairperson and removed the General Membership’s direct role in approving gaming. The group emphasized it was not opposed to gaming itself but wanted a more balanced amendment.
Concerns about the structure of the proposal surfaced at polling sites, according to a WRAL. Speaking to the outlet, Lumbee voter Robin Branch said the debate had been misrepresented.
“It’s just disappointing at how this vote was painted or portrayed to be a yes or no, up or down for gaming. It is not,” Branch said.
Others countered that elected leaders should be trusted to make decisions on behalf of their districts.
“If you want to be involved, then vote for your elected official,” said Wanda Burns‑Ramsey, speaking to WRAL. “We still have a vote.”
Tribal Chairman John Lowery acknowledged the outcome Tuesday night.
“Tonight, a majority of the Lumbee people have spoken, and they have said no to progress and have decided to stay with the status quo or simply staying with the way things are,” Lowery said in a statement. “This decision by the majority of Lumbee voters is historic and ensures we will not move forward with gaming. I will honor the wishes of the majority, and I will not bring this issue forward again over the remaining 18 months of my tenure.”
Lowery said he will not bring the issue forward again during the remaining 18 months of his term.
The defeat leaves the tribe’s 240‑acre property without a defined development path. Tribal leaders have not yet announced next steps, though the land could be used for other economic development projects.
