Catawba Nation Marks Milestone With Phase One Launch at Two Kings Casino Resort
The Catawba Nation has opened the first completed phase of its permanent Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, a development that replaces the temporary facility operating since 2021 near Charlotte, and observers note this step brings expanded gaming options to the region while construction continues on the broader project.
Details of the Newly Opened Phase
Visitors now access over 1,300 slot machines along with electronic gaming tables, traditional table games, and sports betting kiosks inside the new space, and the facility also features a rewards desk plus restaurant and bar areas designed to support extended stays. The transition from the temporary site allows for larger-scale operations that accommodate growing visitor numbers, while the permanent structure incorporates updated layouts that streamline movement between gaming zones and dining spots.
Construction on the overall $1–1.25 billion resort began in 2024, yet this initial phase stands complete ahead of the remaining elements, which include a 24-story hotel and the main casino floor scheduled for spring 2027. Project timelines indicate steady progress through coordinated contractor schedules, and employment projections for the finished resort range between 2,000 and 2,200 positions once all sections open.
Background and Regional Context
The Catawba Nation established its initial temporary casino operations in 2021 to test market demand in the Charlotte area, and data from that period showed consistent attendance that justified investment in a permanent location. Kings Mountain sits approximately 30 miles west of Charlotte, a placement that positions the resort within driving distance for residents across both North Carolina and neighboring states, while local infrastructure improvements support increased traffic flows.
State gaming regulations in North Carolina permit tribal casino developments under specific compacts, and the Catawba Nation secured approvals that allowed the project to advance through planning stages. Figures from similar facilities indicate that phased openings help manage workforce training and operational adjustments before full capacity activates.
Construction Timeline and Future Phases
Work on the remaining structures continues at the site, where crews focus on erecting the hotel tower and expanding the main gaming floor to include additional amenities. The spring 2027 target date aligns with completion of these components, after which the resort will operate at its designed scale and provide the full range of services outlined in original plans.
Project managers coordinate with suppliers and subcontractors to maintain momentum, and periodic updates from the Catawba Nation detail progress on foundation work and structural framing. Employment opportunities during construction have already drawn workers from surrounding counties, setting the stage for permanent staffing needs that ramp up closer to the 2027 finish line.
Economic and Employment Outlook
The completed resort is expected to generate ongoing positions in gaming, hospitality, food service, and maintenance roles, with hiring processes already underway for the current phase. Regional economic reports from North Carolina track similar projects and note that casino developments contribute to local tax revenues and supplier contracts, although exact figures for this site will emerge after full operations stabilize.
Training programs organized by the Catawba Nation prepare new staff for roles across the facility, and partnerships with community colleges in the Charlotte metro area support skill development in customer service and technical gaming systems. As the project advances toward 2027, workforce expansion will continue in phases that match construction milestones.
Current Operations in May 2026
By May 2026 the first phase operates daily with the full complement of slot machines, table games, and sports betting options, drawing patrons who previously visited the temporary site and new guests exploring the upgraded venue. Management teams monitor attendance patterns and adjust staffing levels accordingly, while feedback from early visitors informs refinements to restaurant menus and bar service protocols.
Promotional events scheduled throughout the month highlight the new rewards program, which tracks play across gaming options and offers tiered benefits to frequent guests. These activities help build loyalty ahead of the larger hotel opening, and data collected now will guide decisions on capacity management once the full resort activates.
Conclusion
The opening of phase one at Two Kings Casino Resort represents a key advancement for the Catawba Nation's long-term plans in Kings Mountain, delivering expanded gaming and dining options while larger elements remain under construction toward the 2027 deadline. Employment growth and regional economic ties will continue to develop as additional phases come online, and ongoing operations provide a foundation for evaluating performance metrics in the months ahead.