Two North Carolina tribes are advancing casino plans that could reshape the state’s gaming landscape. The Lumbee Tribe, newly federally recognised, has purchased land along Interstate 95 in Robeson County for a potential casino, while the Catawba Nation is preparing to open a $1 billion resort.
The Lumbee Tribe recently achieved federal recognition after decades of effort, opening access to resources and creating a legal pathway for casino-style gaming on tribal land, subject to approvals and community consent. At the same time, the tribe purchased 241 acres south of Lumberton in Robeson County for about $6 million. The site, located along Interstate 95, lies on one of the busiest travel corridors on the East Coast, giving it strategic importance for any future development.
Lumbee’s broader development vision
Lumbee Chairman John Lowery, who also serves as a state legislator, has emphasised that any decision on casino development will rest with the tribe’s members. Lowery has openly pointed to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians as an inspiration. Their casino operations in western North Carolina have transformed the region into an economic centre. Employment, infrastructure, healthcare funding, education, and gaming revenue have supported this growth. For the Lumbee and Catawba, this is not theory but proof of concept.
Lowery stated in The Robesonian, “This property, along with the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Centre, the Tribal Administration Building, and several other tribal assets, will eventually be placed into trust with the United States government.”
If the Lumbee Tribe chooses to pursue gaming, plans extend beyond slot machines to include a resort-style development with options such as a shopping outlet, golf course, entertainment facility, and family attractions like a water park. If members vote against a casino, the land will instead be used for a business and industrial park, ensuring it contributes to jobs and investment regardless of the outcome.
Catawba Nation’s $1B casino vision
While the Lumbee Tribe considers its options, the Catawba Nation is moving ahead with construction of the Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain. The $1 billion project is one of the largest tribal gaming initiatives in the Southeast. The permanent resort is expected to open in the coming months, with further developments scheduled for the following year.
The Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain is set to open with about 1,350 slot machines, 22 live-dealer table games, and sports betting kiosks. Plans for future expansion include 4,300 slot machines, 100 table games, and a full sportsbook, along with a 24‑storey hotel, multiple restaurants, and an underground car park.
As interest in regulated gaming grows nationwide, players are increasingly exploring digital alternatives alongside physical casino projects, including resources that compare platforms and features, such as the best US online casinos.
Digital expansion of Catawba’s social casino
With the launch of a free-to-play social casino in collaboration with Delaware North and Ruby Seven Studios, the Catawba Nation has entered the realm of digital gaming. Social casinos allow users to play online even when they are not physically present, linking gaming activity with future visits. As a test site for its gaming operations, the Catawba Nation is currently running a temporary casino in Kings Mountain. This property will become the permanent Two Kings Casino Resort this spring, marking a significant step towards the tribe’s development goals.
For the Lumbee and Catawba tribes, casino development is closely tied to questions of sovereignty and self‑determination. As laws and attitudes towards gaming continue to evolve, tribal projects in the Southeast could play a central role in shaping the region’s future.
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