Catawba Nation Debuts First Phase of Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain
The Catawba Nation opened the introductory casino phase of its Two Kings Casino Resort on May 20, 2026, marking a significant step forward in the tribe's long-term development plans for the site near Kings Mountain, North Carolina. This initial facility replaces the temporary casino that has operated since 2021 and introduces expanded gaming options along with new amenities for visitors traveling near Interstate 85.
Project leaders designed the first phase to deliver immediate capacity increases while construction continues toward the full resort completion scheduled for spring 2027. The approximately $1 to 1.25 billion investment covers a comprehensive buildout that includes a 385-room hotel and additional features planned for later stages, according to project timelines shared with local media.
Facility Details and Gaming Offerings
Inside the new structure guests encounter 1,350 slot machines alongside 22 traditional table games and multiple electronic gaming options that together provide more variety than the previous temporary setup. A 68-seat restaurant and an 18-seat bar offer dining choices within the casino floor area, while sports betting kiosks allow patrons to place wagers on various events without leaving the main gaming space. Expanded parking facilities accommodate higher visitor volumes and reduce congestion during peak hours.
These additions create a more complete experience for day-trippers and overnight guests alike, with the layout organized to support efficient movement between gaming areas, food outlets, and parking zones. The design draws from operational feedback gathered during the temporary casino's years of service, resulting in improved traffic flow and accessibility throughout the building.
Transition from Temporary Operations
Since its launch in 2021 the temporary casino has served as an entry point for the Catawba Nation's presence in North Carolina gaming, generating revenue and employment while permanent facilities took shape. The May 20, 2026 opening of the first phase shifts operations into a larger, purpose-built environment that supports greater scale without disrupting service continuity for regular patrons.
Workers completed the transition by coordinating equipment moves and staff training across both sites, ensuring that gaming floors remained accessible during the changeover period. This approach minimized downtime and allowed the property to maintain its customer base as it scaled up physical infrastructure.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Construction activity for the ongoing phases currently supports hundreds of positions in the Kings Mountain region, with contractors focusing on structural work, utilities, and interior finishes that will culminate in the 2027 full resort debut. Once the entire property reaches operation the project is expected to sustain around 2,200 permanent jobs across hospitality, gaming, maintenance, and administrative roles.
Local economic observers point to increased tourism traffic near I-85 as a direct outcome of the expanded facility, noting that the combination of gaming, dining, and future lodging options draws visitors from surrounding states and metropolitan areas. Revenue generated through the casino contributes to tribal programs while also feeding into regional commerce through supplier contracts and employee spending patterns.
Officials have coordinated with state and local agencies to align infrastructure improvements such as road access and utility capacity with the resort's growth trajectory. These preparations help manage the influx of construction vehicles now and larger visitor numbers after the hotel opens in spring 2027.
Timeline and Future Phases
The spring 2027 target for the complete resort includes the 385-room hotel plus additional amenities that will extend the property's appeal beyond the gaming floor. Project documentation outlines phased construction sequences that allow the introductory casino to operate independently while later stages advance on adjacent sections of the site.
Stakeholders continue to monitor progress against established milestones, with regular updates provided to tribal members and community partners. The overall schedule reflects adjustments made to account for supply chain variables and workforce availability common in large-scale hospitality developments across the Southeast.
Conclusion
The May 20, 2026 debut of the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort first phase establishes a new operational baseline for the property and sets the stage for the 2027 completion of the full resort. With expanded gaming capacity, dedicated dining venues, sports betting access, and improved parking now in place, the facility supports increased visitor throughput while construction proceeds on the remaining elements. Job creation during both the current building phase and the eventual permanent operations phase positions the project as a notable contributor to employment and tourism metrics in the Kings Mountain area near I-85. Further details remain available through project announcements and local reporting channels as the timeline advances toward spring 2027.