Catawba Nation Opens First Phase of Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain
The Catawba Nation opened the first phase of its Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort on May 20, 2026 in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, and this introductory casino marks the transition from a temporary facility that operated since 2021 to a more permanent structure designed to serve growing visitor demand near Interstate 85. Construction teams completed the initial build on schedule, allowing the tribe to expand its gaming offerings while maintaining operations throughout the shift from the prior site. Local officials joined tribal leaders for the ceremonial launch, which highlighted the project's role in regional economic development and positioned the resort as a key destination for travelers along the busy corridor between Charlotte and the state line.
Expanded Gaming and Amenities in Phase One
Visitors to the new facility gain access to 1,350 slot machines along with 22 traditional table games and several electronic table game options that increase overall capacity compared to the temporary casino setup. The layout includes a 68-seat restaurant and an 18-seat bar where guests can enjoy meals and drinks without leaving the gaming floor, while sports betting kiosks provide additional wagering choices integrated into the main gaming area. Expanded parking lots accommodate higher daily attendance, and the design incorporates wider walkways and improved lighting to enhance the overall experience for players and staff alike.
Those who studied the project timeline note that the first phase focuses on core gaming and dining functions to establish a stable revenue base before the full resort opens, and this phased approach allows the Catawba Nation to test operations and adjust services based on early customer feedback. The temporary casino had already demonstrated strong local interest since its 2021 debut, yet the permanent structure delivers greater square footage and modern infrastructure that supports longer operating hours and larger crowds on peak weekends.
Job Creation and Construction Activity
Hundreds of construction positions opened during the build-out of phase one, drawing workers from surrounding counties and contributing to immediate employment gains in the Kings Mountain area. Project leaders coordinated with regional workforce programs to fill skilled trades roles, and many of those positions transitioned into ongoing maintenance and expansion work as the second phase advances toward its spring 2027 target. Data from the development team shows the full resort, once complete, will support approximately 2,200 permanent jobs across hospitality, gaming, food service, and security departments, creating sustained employment opportunities that extend beyond the initial construction period.
Local businesses near the I-85 interchange have already reported increased foot traffic from construction crews and early casino visitors, while suppliers of building materials and equipment secured contracts that boosted revenue for firms throughout the Piedmont region. The Catawba Nation coordinated with state agencies to ensure compliance with permitting requirements, and this collaboration helped streamline approvals without delaying the May 2026 opening date.
Looking Ahead to the Full Resort Opening
The remaining phases include a 385-room hotel plus additional restaurants, entertainment venues, and conference spaces slated to open in spring 2027, and these additions will transform the property into a full-scale destination resort capable of attracting overnight guests from multiple states. Planners integrated the hotel design with the existing casino structure to create seamless access between lodging and gaming areas, while landscape improvements around the site enhance curb appeal for arriving visitors. Observers tracking the project timeline point out that the phased rollout reduces financial risk by generating revenue from the introductory casino while the larger complex takes shape.
According to updates shared through local news coverage, the complete resort is projected to increase tourism draws along the I-85 corridor and support nearby retail and service businesses that benefit from higher visitor volumes. Tribal representatives emphasized during the phase-one launch that the expansion aligns with long-term economic goals for the Catawba Nation, including revenue streams that fund community programs and infrastructure improvements back on tribal lands.
Regional Economic and Tourism Effects
Kings Mountain officials have documented rising hotel occupancy rates and restaurant reservations in the months leading up to the May 2026 opening, signaling early economic ripple effects from the casino project. The facility's location provides convenient access for day-trippers from Charlotte and surrounding metro areas, while the future hotel will enable multi-day stays that extend spending at local attractions and shops. Studies of similar tribal gaming developments in the Southeast have shown measurable increases in tax collections and job retention in host communities, and the Two Kings project follows comparable patterns based on initial visitor data.
Transportation improvements funded in part through project agreements have widened access roads and added signage that directs traffic efficiently from the interstate exits, reducing congestion during busy periods. Those monitoring tourism metrics note that the combination of gaming, dining, and upcoming lodging creates a diversified appeal that reaches beyond traditional casino patrons to include families and business groups attending events at the expanded facilities.
Conclusion
The May 2026 launch of the first phase represents a significant step forward for the Catawba Nation's gaming enterprise, replacing the temporary casino with a more robust facility that already delivers expanded gaming choices and on-site amenities to visitors. Construction momentum continues toward the 2027 completion of the full resort, which will add hundreds of hotel rooms and thousands of permanent positions while strengthening the local economy near I-85. As the project moves into its next stages, the focus remains on steady growth that benefits both the tribe and the surrounding community through sustained employment and increased tourism activity.