Catawba Nation Marks Key Milestone with Two Kings Casino Resort Phase One Launch
On May 21, 2026 the Catawba Nation opened the first major phase of its Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain, North Carolina near Charlotte and Interstate 85, and this development replaced a temporary gaming facility that had operated since 2021 while construction continues on the larger project valued between 1 and 1.25 billion dollars.
The introductory casino now features more than 1,300 slot machines along with electronic gaming tables, traditional table games, sports betting kiosks, a restaurant and bar areas; these elements provide immediate operational capacity while the permanent casino floor remains on schedule for spring 2027 and full completion including a 24-story hotel targets 2027 overall.
Facility Details and Immediate Offerings
Observers note that the new phase delivers a substantial upgrade from the earlier temporary setup because the expanded gaming floor accommodates a wide range of activities in one location and visitors encounter dedicated spaces for slots, table games and sports betting kiosks that operate side by side with dining options; the restaurant and bar areas integrate directly into the gaming environment so guests move between activities without leaving the main structure.
Data from project announcements shows the Catawba Nation designed this initial phase to serve as a functional bridge during ongoing construction, and the layout supports both high-volume slot play and table game preferences while incorporating sports betting kiosks that allow real-time wagering on various events; this combination creates a self-contained experience that meets current demand ahead of the larger resort opening.
Construction Timeline and Projected Scale
Construction on the remaining elements of the resort continues according to the established schedule, with the permanent casino floor expected in spring 2027 and the full property including the 24-story hotel targeted for completion by the end of 2027; project leaders have outlined phased development that allows operations to begin while major structural work proceeds on adjacent sections of the property.
The overall investment range of 1 to 1.25 billion dollars covers multiple components beyond the initial gaming floor, and updates indicate steady progress on infrastructure that will eventually support expanded amenities once the hotel and additional facilities come online; those tracking the timeline report that each stage aligns with prior announcements from the Catawba Nation.
Employment and Regional Impact
Projections for the completed resort indicate employment of 2,000 to 2,200 people once all phases reach full operation, and the initial phase already contributes to local hiring as staff transition from the temporary facility to the new building; workforce development focuses on roles across gaming operations, hospitality and maintenance that support daily functions of the expanded casino.
Regional planning documents reference the project's location near Interstate 85 and proximity to Charlotte as factors that position the resort to draw visitors from surrounding areas, and employment figures reflect both direct casino positions and support services that sustain ongoing activity at the site; these numbers remain consistent with earlier estimates released by the Catawba Nation.
Transition from Temporary Facility
The temporary gaming facility that opened in 2021 served as an early operational base for the Catawba Nation in North Carolina, and its replacement by the current phase marks a shift to permanent infrastructure that accommodates higher capacity and broader amenities; records show continuous operation through the interim period until the May 21, 2026 transition occurred.
Project documentation confirms that the move to the new building consolidates gaming offerings under one roof while construction proceeds on future elements, and this approach minimizes disruption for existing patrons who now access the larger selection of slot machines, table games and sports betting options in the updated space.
Conclusion
The May 21, 2026 opening of the first major phase at Two Kings Casino Resort represents a concrete step in the Catawba Nation's long-term development plan for the Kings Mountain site, and details released to date cover gaming capacity, construction milestones and employment projections through 2027. Additional updates from official channels will track progress on the permanent floor and hotel as work advances according to the established timeline.