Catawba Tribe Launches First Phase of Two Kings Casino Resort Expansion
The Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain, North Carolina opened the first phase of its permanent facility on May 21, 2026, and this development replaced the tribe’s temporary gaming operation that had run since 2021, while the new phase includes more than 1,300 slot machines along with electronic gaming tables, traditional table games, sports betting kiosks, dining options, and a bar.
Background on the Temporary Facility and Expansion Plans
Observers note that the Catawba Indian Nation had operated a temporary gaming site near Charlotte since 2021, and that setup served as the foundation for the larger permanent project now underway, whereas the full resort complex carries a projected cost of $1.25 billion and features a 24-story hotel with 385 rooms scheduled for completion by 2027.
Those who have followed the project point out that employment projections for the completed resort range between 2,000 and 2,200 positions, and these figures come from development announcements tied directly to the expansion timeline.
Details of the May 2026 Opening Phase
The initial phase that debuted in May 2026 brings a range of gaming and hospitality amenities to the site, and visitors encounter the expanded slot floor immediately upon entry along with electronic tables and classic pit games that operate under state and tribal regulations, while sports betting kiosks provide additional options integrated into the layout.
According to reports from World Casino Directory, the dining and bar facilities opened alongside the gaming areas, and these venues support both day and evening operations without requiring the full hotel structure to be in place yet.
Location Context and Regional Gaming Landscape
Kings Mountain sits roughly 30 miles west of Charlotte, and the site benefits from proximity to major highways that connect the area to surrounding population centers, whereas the Catawba Tribe selected the location to leverage existing infrastructure while meeting compact requirements with North Carolina authorities.
Researchers tracking tribal gaming developments note that this project follows patterns seen in other states where tribes transition from temporary to permanent facilities over multi-year periods, and the 2026 opening marks a key milestone in that sequence for the Catawba Nation.
Employment and Economic Projections
Project documents indicate that the completed resort will support between 2,000 and 2,200 jobs once the hotel and remaining amenities come online by 2027, and these positions span gaming operations, hospitality, food service, and maintenance roles.
Local workforce data from the region shows demand for similar positions in existing hospitality venues, and the casino expansion adds a concentrated source of employment that aligns with broader economic activity in Cleveland County.
Construction Timeline and Remaining Phases
Construction crews continue work on the 24-story hotel tower and additional resort components while the first phase operates, and the overall timeline keeps the full $1.25 billion complex on track for 2027 completion according to the tribe’s published schedule.
Updates shared through tribal channels confirm that the remaining phases will integrate seamlessly with the May 2026 gaming floor, and this approach allows revenue from the initial phase to support ongoing building activities.
Conclusion
The May 21, 2026 opening of the first permanent phase at Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort represents a concrete step forward for the Catawba Indian Nation’s gaming operations in North Carolina, and the facility now provides expanded gaming choices plus dining and bar services that replace the earlier temporary setup, while the remaining hotel and resort elements move toward their 2027 target with projected employment between 2,000 and 2,200 positions.