Catawba Nation Marks Milestone with Opening of Two Kings Casino Resort's First Permanent Phase
The Catawba Indian Nation opened the initial phase of its permanent Two Kings Casino Resort on May 21, 2026 in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, a development that replaced the temporary gaming facility the tribe had operated since 2021, and this step brings expanded gaming options to the region near Charlotte.
Observers note that the new facility includes more than 1,300 slot machines along with electronic gaming tables, traditional table games, sports betting kiosks, dining options, and a bar, all housed in a structure designed to serve as the foundation for the larger resort complex.
Background on the Temporary Operation and Transition
The tribe had run its temporary site since 2021 as an interim measure while planning the permanent expansion, and that earlier location allowed the Catawba Nation to establish a presence in the North Carolina gaming market before moving into the larger facility that opened in May 2026.
People familiar with the project point out that the transition marks a shift from limited operations to a more substantial gaming environment, with the permanent phase incorporating a wider array of machines and tables that had not been available at the temporary site.
Features of the Opened Phase
The facility that debuted in May 2026 features over 1,300 slot machines combined with electronic gaming tables and traditional table games, while sports betting kiosks provide additional wagering opportunities alongside dining areas and a bar that cater to visitors throughout the day and evening.
Data from industry reports shows that these amenities represent a significant increase in capacity compared with the temporary operation, and the layout integrates gaming floors with food and beverage services to support extended visits by guests from the Charlotte area and beyond.
Plans for the Full Resort Complex
Construction continues on the remaining portions of the $1.25 billion resort, which will add a 24-story hotel containing 385 rooms, and project timelines indicate completion of the entire complex by 2027 according to statements released by the Catawba Nation.
The full development encompasses additional amenities beyond the gaming floor that opened in May 2026, yet the initial phase already delivers core gaming and hospitality elements while the hotel and supporting structures move toward their scheduled finish date.
Economic Impact and Employment Projections
Projections associated with the resort indicate that the completed property will employ between 2,000 and 2,200 people once fully operational, and the opening of the first permanent phase in May 2026 has already begun to generate positions in gaming operations, food service, and facility management.
Regional economic analyses suggest that the casino resort contributes to job creation in Kings Mountain and surrounding communities, with the employment range reflecting both direct roles at the property and indirect opportunities in supply chains and local services tied to visitor activity.
Context Within Broader Casino Developments
Similar expansions at tribal gaming properties across the United States have followed comparable patterns, where temporary facilities give way to permanent structures that increase machine counts and add hotel capacity, and the Catawba project aligns with that sequence while focusing on the specific timeline of May 2026 for the first phase.
Industry data compiled by organizations such as the National Indian Gaming Commission tracks these transitions at multiple sites, revealing that phased openings allow tribes to maintain revenue streams during construction and to adjust operations based on early performance metrics from the initial permanent segments.
Conclusion
The May 21, 2026 opening of the first phase at the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort establishes a new operational baseline for the tribe's gaming enterprise in North Carolina, and the addition of more than 1,300 slots plus supporting amenities sets the stage for the remaining hotel and resort elements scheduled for 2027 completion.
Employment figures projected at 2,000 to 2,200 positions underscore the scale of the full development, while the $1.25 billion investment continues to unfold in line with the announced timeline, providing a measurable example of tribal gaming expansion in the southeastern United States.