Catawba Nation Opens First Phase of Permanent Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain

The Catawba Indian Nation launched the initial stage of its permanent Two Kings Casino Resort on May 21, 2026, in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, near Charlotte, and this development replaced the temporary gaming site that had run since 2021. Construction teams completed the opening phase amid ongoing work on the larger complex, and visitors gained access to expanded gaming options right away while the tribe continues building toward full operations.

Details of the Initial Phase

More than 1,300 slot machines anchor the new facility, along with electronic gaming tables, traditional table games, and sports betting kiosks that provide multiple entertainment choices in one location. Dining venues and a bar round out the amenities, creating spaces where guests can extend their time on site without leaving the property. The setup builds directly on the temporary operation's foundation yet delivers greater capacity and variety that officials say meets growing regional demand.

Observers note the transition from the 2021 temporary site occurred smoothly, with staff guiding players through familiar games now housed in upgraded surroundings. Data from similar projects shows such phased openings help operators test systems before scaling up, and this approach allows the Catawba Nation to gather real-time feedback while the remaining structures take shape.

Full Resort Timeline and Features

The complete $1.25 billion resort complex includes a 24-story hotel with 385 rooms that remains under construction, and crews aim for total completion by 2027. Once finished, the property will combine lodging, expanded gaming floors, and additional amenities into a single destination that serves both day visitors and overnight guests. Projections indicate the full resort will employ between 2,000 and 2,200 people, drawing from local and regional talent pools as hiring ramps up through the next year.

Project timelines released by the tribe show steady progress on the hotel tower, where structural work continues alongside interior fit-outs for the gaming areas already open. Employment figures released alongside the opening highlight opportunities in hospitality, gaming operations, and support services that will expand once the hotel opens its doors.

Economic and Regional Context

Local economic reports tie the casino expansion to broader tourism growth in the Charlotte metro area, where new visitor traffic supports surrounding businesses. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, gaming facilities of this scale often generate measurable increases in regional spending on lodging, food, and retail within the first two years of operation. The Catawba Nation's project fits this pattern, with early indicators pointing to job creation and supplier contracts that extend beyond the resort gates.

Community leaders in Kings Mountain have tracked infrastructure improvements tied to the development, including road upgrades that accommodate higher traffic volumes. These changes align with patterns documented in other mid-sized gaming markets where phased builds allow municipalities to adjust services incrementally rather than all at once.

Operational Outlook Through 2027

With the first phase now running, attention shifts to the remaining construction milestones scheduled through 2027. Hotel room inventory will add overnight capacity that currently does not exist at the site, and additional dining and entertainment options will come online as floors are completed. Workforce development programs run by the tribe continue recruiting for positions that will open in stages, ensuring staff training keeps pace with physical expansion.

Figures released at the May 21 opening indicate initial guest numbers met internal targets, and operators plan to monitor usage patterns to refine offerings ahead of the hotel debut. This measured rollout mirrors strategies used in comparable projects across the Southeast, where operators balance immediate revenue with long-term infrastructure investments.

Conclusion

The May 2026 opening of the first phase marks a clear step forward for the Catawba Indian Nation's permanent gaming presence in North Carolina. As construction proceeds on the hotel tower and supporting facilities, the resort moves closer to its full $1.25 billion scope and projected employment range of 2,000 to 2,200 positions. Regional data sources, including reports from the American Gaming Association, continue to track how such developments influence local economies through direct hiring and visitor spending. The phased approach keeps operations stable while the remaining elements reach completion by 2027.