Catawba Nation Marks Milestone with First Phase Opening of Two Kings Casino Resort
The Catawba Nation opened the first phase of its Two Kings Casino Resort on May 20, 2026, in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, replacing a temporary gaming facility that had operated since 2021. This step brings the multi-phase project closer to completion, with the full resort expected to open in spring 2027. The development carries an estimated cost between $1 billion and $1.25 billion, and it introduces a permanent gaming floor equipped with roughly 1,350 slot machines, table games, dining venues, and dedicated parking infrastructure.
Project Background and Development Timeline
Work on the Two Kings Casino Resort began after the Catawba Nation secured necessary approvals for the site, and the temporary facility served as an initial operational base while construction advanced on the permanent structures. The May 20, 2026, opening of the introductory phase connects directly to earlier planning efforts that outlined a phased approach to minimize disruption and allow incremental revenue generation during buildout. Construction crews focused on core gaming areas first, which enabled the transition from temporary operations to the more substantial permanent floor without extended closures.
State records show that the Catawba Nation coordinated with local authorities throughout the process, and this coordination supported timely progress toward the spring 2027 target for remaining phases. Those phases will add expanded lodging, additional entertainment spaces, and further amenities that complete the overall resort vision. The current phase stands as a functional standalone unit while later stages integrate around it.
Features of the Initial Gaming Floor
The permanent gaming floor spans a layout that accommodates approximately 1,350 slot machines alongside multiple table game options, and it incorporates dining facilities plus ample parking to handle visitor volumes. This configuration replaces the smaller temporary setup, which had operated for five years as a bridge during the longer construction period. Patrons now access a broader selection of games and services in one location, while the design leaves room for future expansions that will connect additional resort elements.
Project documentation indicates that the phase-one infrastructure includes utility systems sized for the full development, so later additions can tie in without major retrofits. The dining options range from casual eateries to more formal restaurants, all situated within easy reach of the gaming areas and parking structures. This layout prioritizes convenience for day visitors while preparing for overnight guests once hotel towers open in 2027.
Economic and Employment Context
Reports from the Catawba Nation and regional economic offices note that the resort project supports job creation across construction, operations, and hospitality sectors in the Kings Mountain area. The first phase alone employs staff for gaming floor management, food service, security, and maintenance, with additional hiring planned as subsequent phases come online. Local workforce development programs have partnered with the tribe to prepare residents for these positions, and data from the North Carolina Department of Commerce shows related activity in surrounding counties.
The overall investment range of $1 billion to $1.25 billion reflects expenditures on land preparation, building construction, equipment procurement, and infrastructure upgrades that extend beyond the casino property itself. These investments align with broader patterns observed in tribal gaming projects across the United States, where phased openings allow operators to generate returns that fund continued development. Observers have tracked similar timelines in other jurisdictions, where initial gaming floors open while hotel and entertainment components finish construction.
Community Integration and Future Phases
Local officials in Cleveland County have documented coordination meetings between the Catawba Nation and municipal planners to address traffic flow, public safety, and utility capacity tied to the resort. The May 20, 2026, opening included provisions for increased law enforcement presence and transportation adjustments that accommodate the shift from temporary to permanent operations. Such measures ensure continuity of service while the facility scales up.
Remaining phases scheduled for spring 2027 will introduce hotel accommodations, expanded meeting spaces, and additional recreational offerings that transform the site into a full destination resort. Construction timelines released by the project team indicate that these elements will connect directly to the existing gaming floor, creating seamless guest pathways once complete. The Catawba Nation has stated that revenue from the current phase will contribute to financing later stages, maintaining the overall budget parameters.
Conclusion
The May 20, 2026, launch of the first phase at Two Kings Casino Resort represents a concrete step forward for the Catawba Nation's long-term development plans in North Carolina. With the permanent gaming floor now operational and the full resort targeted for spring 2027, the project continues to progress according to established schedules. Regional economic data and project records provide the factual basis for tracking subsequent milestones as construction advances on the remaining components.