Catawba Nation Marks Milestone as Two Kings Casino Resort Unveils First Completed Phase

The Catawba Nation opened the first completed phase of its permanent Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain, North Carolina near Charlotte, and this development replaces a temporary facility that had operated since 2021 while construction advanced on the larger project. Observers note that the new phase brings over 1,300 slot machines along with electronic gaming tables, traditional table games, sports betting kiosks, a rewards desk, restaurant and bar area into permanent operation, and these elements establish the foundation for continued growth at the site.

Construction on the full resort began in 2024 with an estimated total investment ranging from 1 billion to 1.25 billion dollars, and the timeline projects complete delivery of the 24-story hotel plus main casino floor by spring 2027. Data from project updates shows the finished resort will employ between 2,000 and 2,200 people once all phases stand operational, which creates sustained economic activity for the surrounding region in Cleveland County.

Transition from Temporary Operations to Permanent Facilities

The temporary casino that ran from 2021 onward provided early revenue and market testing, yet the permanent structure delivers expanded capacity and modern amenities that align with long-term tribal development goals. Those who have followed the project observe that the shift allows for integrated features such as dedicated sports betting kiosks and a centralized rewards desk, which streamline guest experiences across gaming and hospitality areas. The restaurant and bar sections within this phase offer immediate dining options that complement the gaming floor, and they operate alongside the electronic and traditional table games that form the core entertainment offering.

Project records indicate the Catawba Nation coordinated closely with state and local authorities throughout the permitting and construction sequence, and this coordination ensured compliance with applicable gaming regulations in North Carolina. The first phase opening therefore represents a measured step toward the larger vision, rather than an abrupt change, and it maintains continuity for visitors who previously used the temporary site.

Scale of the Overall Development and Employment Impact

At full completion the resort will span multiple buildings anchored by the 24-story hotel tower, and the main casino floor will expand gaming options beyond the current phase. Figures released by the developers show the total workforce projection of 2,000 to 2,200 positions covers roles in gaming operations, hospitality, food service, security and maintenance, which spreads economic benefits across a range of skill levels in the local labor market. Construction activity that started in 2024 continues on remaining structures, and updates released in May 2026 confirm steady progress toward the 2027 target without reported delays.

Regional planning documents highlight how the completed resort will integrate with existing transportation infrastructure near Kings Mountain, and this integration supports both daily commuters and out-of-town visitors. The phased approach allows operational revenue from the initial section to contribute toward ongoing construction costs, which reduces reliance on external financing for later stages of the 1 to 1.25 billion dollar investment.

Community and Regulatory Context

The Catawba Nation has maintained sovereign gaming rights under federal frameworks administered by the National Indian Gaming Commission, and the Two Kings project operates within those established parameters. Local government records show coordination with Kings Mountain officials on zoning, traffic management and public safety planning, which ensures the resort integrates smoothly with surrounding neighborhoods. Employment data from similar tribal casino projects in the southeastern United States suggests that a substantial portion of positions will be filled by residents of Cleveland County and adjacent areas, and training programs tied to the development aim to build local workforce capacity.

Industry reports from the American Gaming Association note that tribal gaming facilities contribute measurably to state and local tax revenues through negotiated compacts, and the Two Kings resort follows this established pattern. The opening of the first phase therefore activates those revenue streams earlier than the full 2027 completion date, and it provides a measurable return on the initial construction investment.

Future Phases and Timeline Expectations

Remaining construction focuses on the hotel tower and expanded casino floor, with mechanical, electrical and interior fit-out work scheduled through late 2026 and into early 2027. Updates shared by project spokespeople indicate that the 24-story structure will house guest rooms, additional dining venues and meeting spaces once finished, and these amenities will complement the gaming options already active in the current phase. The overall timeline remains anchored to spring 2027 for full operational status, which allows sequential testing of systems before the larger guest volume arrives.

Those tracking the development point out that the phased rollout minimizes disruption to ongoing operations and permits incremental hiring that aligns with each new section coming online. By May 2026 the site had already begun recruiting for hospitality and gaming positions tied to the first phase, and this early staffing supports a smooth transition as additional facilities reach completion.

Conclusion

The first phase opening of the Two Kings Casino Resort demonstrates the Catawba Nation's methodical approach to expanding its gaming and hospitality presence in North Carolina. With over 1,300 slot machines, table games, sports betting kiosks and supporting amenities now active, the permanent facility replaces the earlier temporary operation and sets the stage for the remaining 1 to 1.25 billion dollar investment. Employment projections of 2,000 to 2,200 positions, combined with the scheduled 2027 completion of the hotel and main floor, position the resort as a significant contributor to the regional economy for years ahead. Construction continues on schedule, and further updates will track progress toward full operation.