Catawba Nation Advances Permanent Two Kings Casino Development in Kings Mountain
The first phase of the permanent Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort expansion in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, opened on May 21, 2026, and this development replaced the tribe’s temporary gaming facility that had operated since 2021; observers note that the new phase brings expanded gaming options to the region near Charlotte while the full resort complex continues construction toward a 2027 target. The permanent facility incorporates more than 1,300 slot machines along with electronic gaming tables, traditional table games, sports betting kiosks, dining venues, and a bar, creating a larger operational footprint than the prior temporary setup.
Key Features of the Initial Phase
According to reports from industry directories, the opening marks a shift from the interim location to a purpose-built structure that supports a broader range of gaming activities and guest services in one integrated space. Researchers tracking tribal gaming expansions have documented similar transitions where temporary sites give way to scaled-up venues that accommodate increased visitor traffic and diversified amenities. The sports betting kiosks join the slot machines and table games as part of the core offerings, while the dining and bar areas provide on-site food and beverage options for patrons.
Data from the project timeline shows the temporary facility served as an operational bridge since 2021, allowing the Catawba Nation to maintain gaming revenue streams during planning and construction of the permanent resort. Those who have followed the development note that the May 2026 opening aligns with the scheduled rollout of the initial major phase, positioning the site for further growth as additional components come online.
Projected Scale of the Full Resort Complex
The complete $1.25 billion resort complex includes a 24-story hotel with 385 rooms, and this element remains slated for completion by 2027 alongside other supporting infrastructure. Project documentation indicates the full buildout will integrate the gaming floor with lodging, creating a destination that combines overnight stays with extended entertainment and dining experiences. Employment projections for the finished resort range from 2,000 to 2,200 positions, covering roles in gaming operations, hospitality, food service, and facility management.
Industry analyses of comparable tribal casino projects reveal that phased openings allow operators to activate revenue-generating spaces while construction proceeds on ancillary structures such as hotels and additional amenities. The Catawba Nation’s approach follows this pattern, with the May 2026 phase establishing the gaming core that will later connect to the hotel tower once that component reaches completion in 2027.
Regional Context and Development Timeline
Kings Mountain’s location near Charlotte places the resort within reach of a major metropolitan population center, and this geographic positioning supports the projected employment figures and visitor volumes once the full complex opens. State and tribal records show the transition from the 2021 temporary facility to the permanent structure represents a multi-year investment aimed at establishing a lasting presence in the North Carolina gaming market.
Figures released in project updates indicate the $1.25 billion total encompasses both the gaming expansion and the hotel construction, with the initial phase focusing on the floor that now houses the slot machines, table games, and related services. Observers tracking the timeline note that the 2027 completion date for the hotel will finalize the resort’s capacity to offer integrated lodging alongside the gaming and dining options already available.
Economic and Operational Implications
Employment estimates of 2,000 to 2,200 full-time positions reflect the scale of operations once the resort reaches full capacity, spanning departments that manage the expanded gaming floor, the future hotel, and supporting services. Government data on tribal gaming facilities in the southeastern United States shows that such developments often generate direct jobs in addition to indirect economic activity in surrounding communities through supplier contracts and visitor spending.
The sports betting kiosks introduced in the first phase align with broader regulatory frameworks for gaming in North Carolina, and this addition expands the types of wagers available compared to the temporary facility’s offerings. Project partners continue work on the remaining elements, including the 24-story hotel, to meet the 2027 deadline while the current gaming operations run at the new permanent site.
Conclusion
The May 21, 2026, opening of the first phase at the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort establishes a permanent gaming operation that replaces the interim facility used since 2021 and introduces expanded amenities including more than 1,300 slot machines, electronic and traditional table games, sports betting, dining, and a bar. The remaining components of the $1.25 billion complex, highlighted by the 24-story hotel with 385 rooms, stay on track for 2027 completion, at which point the resort is projected to support 2,000 to 2,200 jobs. This phased approach maintains continuity of operations while advancing the larger development goals set by the Catawba Nation in Kings Mountain.