UMVA has learned that the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is taking a major step towards transparency and citizen engagement with the launch of a new website, aimed at educating tribal members about a proposed gaming and economic development amendment ahead of a crucial special election on June 23.
The website, which is being heavily promoted across the tribe's official communication channels, provides a comprehensive overview of the amendment, including explanations of the proposal, election details, and information on potential future gaming projects. This move is seen as a bid to increase awareness and encourage informed decision-making among tribal citizens.
According to information obtained by UMVA, tribal officials have created the website to give enrolled members a clearer understanding of what the amendment would entail and how it could shape the future of tribal business and government operations. The site outlines the potential opportunities and benefits of the amendment, including the creation of a governmental structure to oversee gaming operations and economic development projects.
This proposed structure is designed to establish "checks and balances" and add accountability measures connected to any future gaming enterprise. The website also explains how the tribe's federal recognition, secured in 2025, has changed its legal standing and opened up new opportunities under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
The launch of the website comes amid ongoing discussion around possible casino development in southeastern North Carolina, with tribal leaders exploring gaming-related economic opportunities since securing federal recognition. One proposal reportedly centers on land near Interstate 95 in Robeson County, an area viewed as attractive due to heavy tourism traffic and regional travel access.
The website highlights the potential risks and benefits of the amendment, including the possibility of a competing casino being built in nearby South Carolina, which could reduce the tribe's economic opportunity and competitive advantage. The Lumbee Tribal Council has overwhelmingly approved placing the amendment before voters, framing it as a way to let citizens decide whether the tribe should move towards a formal governance system tied to future gaming activity.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the proposed Lumbee Dark Water Resort, a large-scale development vision, combines gaming, hospitality, entertainment, and cultural attractions. The master plan spans over 200 acres and includes multiple hotels, a waterpark, convention and entertainment facilities, retail space, golf courses, museums, and gaming venues.
The project descriptions emphasize balancing tourism and economic growth with environmental considerations through green space preservation, indigenous landscaping, solar energy integration, and community-focused design. Plans 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.
Tribal leaders are encouraging citizens to study the amendment closely before casting their ballots in the special election later this summer. The tribe's official website currently directs visitors to the new site through prominent banners urging members to "Learn about June 23 Vote."
