The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has rolled out a new website aimed at helping tribal citizens understand a proposed gaming and economic development amendment before a June 23 special election. The site, LumbeesChoose.com, is now being promoted across the tribe’s official communication channels as leaders push to increase awareness ahead of the vote.
Tribal officials say the website was created to give enrolled members a clearer picture of what the amendment would do and how it could shape future tribal business and government operations. Visitors can review explanations of the proposal, election details, and information tied to possible future gaming projects.
Opportunities the gaming amendment would create for the Lumbee Tribe as new website rolled out
According to information posted on the website, the amendment would establish a governmental structure to oversee gaming operations and economic development projects if tribal citizens eventually approve gaming initiatives in the future. The site says the framework is intended to create “checks and balances” while adding accountability measures connected to any future gaming enterprise.
It also explains how the tribe’s federal recognition changed its legal standing. After decades of lobbying and advocacy, the Lumbee Tribe secured full federal recognition in 2025, which opened access to opportunities available under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, including the possibility of pursuing tribal gaming projects under federal law.
The launch of the information campaign arrives as discussion continues around possible casino development in southeastern North Carolina. We previously noted that tribal leaders have explored gaming-related economic opportunities since recognition became official. One proposal reportedly centers on land near Interstate 95 in Robeson County, an area viewed as attractive because of heavy tourism traffic and regional travel access.
The site reports: “South Carolina is considering allowing commercial casinos along I-95, including in Dillon County near South of the Border. If that happens, a competing casino could be built less than 10 miles from the proposed Lumbee site, reducing the Tribe’s economic opportunity and competitive advantage.”
ReadWrite also reported that the Lumbee Tribal Council overwhelmingly approved placing the amendment before voters earlier this year. Tribal leadership framed the move as a way to let citizens decide whether the tribe should move toward a formal governance system tied to future gaming activity.
Another report stated that the Lumbee Tribe could become a major new force in North Carolina gaming if voters approve the amendment and development plans continue moving forward. The issue has gained attention beyond tribal communities because North Carolina lawmakers have debated broader casino expansion proposals for several years, though multiple efforts stalled in the legislature.
With federal recognition now secured, the Lumbee Tribe has new authority to independently explore gaming opportunities under federal regulations. Details tied to the proposed Lumbee Dark Water Resort, a large-scale development vision that combines gaming, hospitality, entertainment, and cultural attractions, have already been outlined.
According to materials published on the site, the master plan spans more than 200 acres and includes multiple hotels, a waterpark, convention and entertainment facilities, retail space, golf courses, museums, and gaming venues. Project descriptions say developers intend to balance tourism and economic growth with environmental considerations through green space preservation, indigenous landscaping, solar energy integration, and community-focused design. Plans highlighted on the site also reference a future 10,000- to 15,000-seat convention and entertainment center, a high-rise leisure hotel, family-oriented attractions, and expanded gaming areas tied to long-term economic development goals.
The tribe’s official website currently directs visitors to LumbeesChoose.com through prominent banners urging members to “Learn about June 23 Vote.”
Tribal leaders continue encouraging citizens to study the amendment closely before ballots are cast in the special election later this summer.
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