Catawba Nation Completes First Phase of Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain

The Catawba Nation has opened the initial completed phase of its permanent Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, a development that replaces the temporary gaming facility operating in the area since 2021, and this milestone arrives as of May 2026 with further construction phases still underway toward full buildout.

Observers note the new section brings together more than 1,300 slot machines along with electronic gaming tables, traditional table games, sports betting kiosks, a rewards desk, restaurant, and bar area, all housed in a structure designed to serve as the foundation for the larger resort project valued between 1 and 1.25 billion dollars.

Project Timeline and Construction Details

Construction on the permanent facility began in 2024, and the first phase now stands complete while crews continue work on remaining elements including a 24-story hotel and the main casino floor, with those components scheduled for spring 2027 delivery according to project schedules released by the Catawba Nation.

Those who've followed the development point out that the temporary site provided continuity during planning and early building stages, allowing the transition to the new permanent space without interruption to operations in the Kings Mountain location near Charlotte.

Features of the Opened Phase

The opened portion includes a mix of gaming options that expand beyond the temporary setup, and data from project announcements shows slot machines form the largest category with over 1,300 units while electronic tables and traditional games occupy dedicated areas alongside sports betting kiosks for wagering on various events.

Support amenities such as the rewards desk, restaurant, and bar area sit within the same footprint, creating an integrated space that handles guest services and dining without requiring movement to separate buildings during this initial operating period.

Economic and Employment Projections

Project estimates indicate the completed resort will employ between 2,000 and 2,200 people once all phases reach operation, a figure that reflects both direct casino staff positions and roles tied to hotel operations, food service, and maintenance across the full property.

Local planning documents highlight how the phased approach allows incremental job creation as each section opens, with the current phase already contributing to hiring in areas such as gaming floor management, guest services, and food and beverage operations.

Regional Context and Future Outlook

The resort sits in Kings Mountain, positioned to draw visitors from the Charlotte metropolitan area, and updates from the Catawba Nation describe how the permanent facility builds on the temporary location's established presence in the regional gaming market.

Further construction continues toward the 2027 target, and reports indicate the 24-story hotel will add lodging capacity while the main casino floor expands gaming space beyond what the first phase currently offers.

Conclusion

The opening of this phase marks a measurable step forward in the Catawba Nation's long-term resort plan, with the mix of slots, tables, sports betting, and amenities now available in a permanent structure that sets the stage for additional development through 2027.

Employment figures and facility details remain consistent with earlier projections, and ongoing work on the hotel and expanded floor continues without reported changes to the spring completion date.