Catawba Nation Marks Milestone with Opening of First Phase at 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, adn this introductory casino replaces the temporary facility that has operated since 2021 while bringing expanded gaming options to the site near Interstate 85.
Construction crews completed work on the initial structure that now houses 1,350 slot machines along with 22 traditional table games and additional electronic table options, and the layout also features a 68-seat restaurant plus an 18-seat bar where visitors can relax between gaming sessions.
Expanded Amenities and Capacity Gains
Sports betting kiosks stand ready for use throughout the gaming floor, and the project delivered more parking spaces than the earlier temporary setup provided so that larger crowds can arrive without the previous constraints on vehicle capacity.
People who have followed the development note that these additions create a noticeable increase in overall floor space and guest services, while the design maintains a focus on accessibility for both local residents and travelers passing through the region.
Future Phases and Long-Term Vision
The full resort remains on track for a spring 2027 opening that will include a 385-room hotel plus further dining and entertainment amenities, and project leaders have stated that the completed property will operate as a year-round destination drawing visitors from surrounding states.
Current work on the site continues to generate hundreds of construction positions, while the permanent facility is projected to support approximately 2,200 full-time jobs once all phases reach completion.
Economic Impact on the Local Region
Local officials and tribal representatives have highlighted the expected boost to tourism in the Kings Mountain area, and data from similar projects in other states shows that new casino resorts often increase visitor spending at nearby businesses including restaurants, hotels and retail outlets.
The Catawba Nation has coordinated with state agencies on regulatory compliance throughout the build process, and records indicate that the development aligns with existing gaming compacts that govern tribal operations in North Carolina.
Employment projections released by the project team point to a mix of hospitality, gaming and support roles that will become available over the coming months, while training programs have already begun to prepare local workers for positions at the resort.
Community and Regional Context
Kings Mountain sits along a major travel corridor, and the new casino location benefits from easy highway access that already brings steady traffic through the area each day.
Business owners in adjacent communities have expressed interest in partnerships that could supply goods and services to the resort, and similar arrangements at other tribal gaming properties have created ongoing supply-chain relationships that extend beyond the casino itself.
According to coverage from regional news outlets, attendance at the opening events exceeded initial expectations and demonstrated strong public interest in the expanded gaming options now available.
Looking Ahead to Full Operations
With the first phase now open, attention turns to the remaining construction timeline that will add the hotel tower and additional attractions, and project timelines shared by the Catawba Nation indicate steady progress toward the 2027 target date.
Conclusion
The May 2026 opening of the introductory casino marks a significant step in the Catawba Nation's long-term development plan for the Two Kings site, and the combination of new gaming capacity with upcoming hotel facilities positions the resort to play an expanding role in North Carolina's tourism landscape.
As construction continues and permanent staffing ramps up, the project is expected to deliver measurable contributions to local employment and visitor traffic while providing the Catawba Nation with an updated platform for its gaming operations.