Catawba Nation Unveils Initial Phase of Two Kings Casino Resort
The Catawba Nation opened the first major phase of its permanent Two Kings Casino Resort on May 21, 2026, in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, marking a shift from the tribe's temporary gaming facility that has operated since 2021. This development brings expanded gaming options to the area near Charlotte, with the introductory casino including more than 1,300 slot machines, electronic and traditional table games, sports betting kiosks, a restaurant, and a bar. Construction on the larger project continues toward full completion in 2027, when additional elements such as a hotel and expanded gaming floor will come online.
Details of the Opening Phase
Workers completed the initial phase after several years of planning and building, and the facility opened its doors to the public on the specified date in May 2026. The gaming floor features a mix of electronic machines and live tables, while sports betting kiosks provide access to wagering on various events. A restaurant and bar operate within the same structure, offering food and beverage services to visitors. These components replace the temporary setup that the Catawba Nation maintained for five years prior, and the transition allows for greater capacity in a dedicated permanent structure.
Observers note that the project timeline aligns with broader efforts by the tribe to establish long-term gaming infrastructure in the region. The site sits in Kings Mountain, positioned for convenient access from Charlotte and surrounding communities. Data from the development indicates that the introductory phase focuses on core gaming and dining elements, while later stages will incorporate lodging and further expansions to the gaming area.
Project Scale and Timeline
The overall resort carries an estimated cost between 1 billion and 1.25 billion dollars, with the full buildout scheduled for completion in 2027. Current operations cover the opening phase, yet crews continue work on remaining sections that include a hotel tower and additional gaming space. This phased approach permits the casino to begin revenue-generating activities while construction proceeds on the balance of the property.
Records show the temporary facility opened in 2021 as an interim measure during the planning and approval process for the permanent resort. The shift to the new location in 2026 represents the next step in that sequence, and the Catawba Nation maintains oversight of all operations at the site. According to industry reports, the permanent facility expands upon the temporary one by increasing the number of machines and adding dedicated spaces for table games and sports betting.
Regional Context for the Development
Kings Mountain lies in Cleveland County, and the casino project adds to the local economy through direct employment and visitor spending. The Catawba Nation coordinates with state and local authorities on regulatory compliance, and the opening follows standard procedures for tribal gaming facilities in North Carolina. Those who have tracked similar projects observe that phased openings allow operators to refine operations before the addition of hotels and larger amenities.
Figures from the Catawba Nation show that the introductory casino maintains continuity with the temporary site while introducing upgraded infrastructure. The restaurant and bar provide on-site dining, and the sports betting kiosks integrate with existing gaming offerings. Construction crews work on the remaining portions of the 1 to 1.25 billion dollar project, with the hotel expected to open as part of the 2027 completion target. This structure permits incremental growth rather than a single launch of the entire resort.
Operational Elements in Place
The gaming floor houses over 1,300 slot machines alongside electronic and traditional table games. Sports betting kiosks stand ready for use, and the layout connects these areas to the restaurant and bar. Staff members trained during the temporary facility's operation now manage the larger space, and the transition occurred without interruption to existing player programs. Data collected since the May 21, 2026, opening will inform adjustments before the hotel and expanded floor open in the following year.
Project documents list the total investment range and confirm the 2027 target date for full operations. The Catawba Nation continues to manage all aspects of the resort, including compliance with tribal and state gaming regulations. Observers note that the location near Charlotte positions the facility to serve both local residents and travelers passing through the region.
Future Phases and Completion
Remaining construction includes the hotel and an increase in gaming floor space. Once finished, the resort will operate as a single integrated property rather than the current partial configuration. The Catawba Nation has outlined these stages in public filings, and work proceeds according to the established schedule. The introductory phase therefore serves as both an operational launch and a foundation for the completed resort expected in 2027.
Conclusion
The May 21, 2026, opening of the first major phase at Two Kings Casino Resort provides the Catawba Nation with a permanent base for its gaming operations in North Carolina. The facility includes more than 1,300 slot machines, table games, sports betting kiosks, and dining options, while the balance of the 1 to 1.25 billion dollar project advances toward the 2027 target. This sequence replaces the temporary site that functioned since 2021 and establishes the framework for expanded amenities in the years ahead.