Catawba Nation Opens First Phase of Two Kings Casino Resort Expansion in Kings Mountain

The Catawba Nation has opened the first major phase of its Two Kings Casino Resort expansion, replacing a temporary gaming site that operated since 2021 and introducing a permanent facility designed to serve visitors from across the region. Located in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, near Interstate 85 and roughly 35 miles west of Charlotte, the new development sits at a key point along major travel routes that connect the area to larger metropolitan centers. On opening day large crowds filled the gaming floor, where more than 1,300 slot machines stand alongside electronic gaming tables, traditional table games, and sports betting kiosks. Dining options and bar areas provide additional spaces for guests to relax between sessions, and the overall layout reflects the scale of a project valued at $1.25 billion. This milestone advances the tribe’s long-term vision for a full permanent casino and hotel complex expected to reach completion by spring 2027.

Facility Features and Guest Experience

The newly opened section combines modern gaming technology with familiar table-game formats, creating a layout that accommodates both casual visitors and experienced players. Slot machines occupy the largest portion of the floor, while electronic tables and live dealer areas occupy dedicated zones that allow smooth movement between different types of play. Sports betting kiosks sit near comfortable seating areas, giving patrons quick access to live events without leaving the main gaming space.

Dining and bar facilities operate on extended hours to match the casino schedule, offering a range of quick-service and sit-down choices. Observers note that the combination of food, beverage, and gaming options in one connected area reduces the need for guests to exit the building during their visit, a design choice that supports longer stays and higher foot traffic throughout the day.

Background of the Development

The Catawba Nation first established a temporary gaming operation in 2021 to begin generating revenue while permanent construction proceeded. That earlier site served as a proof-of-concept location, demonstrating local demand and allowing the tribe to refine operational procedures before committing to the larger build. The current phase represents the first substantial upgrade from those initial facilities, bringing expanded capacity and a wider selection of games under a single roof.

Project planners have coordinated closely with state and local authorities to meet regulatory requirements for gaming, construction, and public safety. Construction timelines have remained on track despite broader industry supply-chain challenges, and the opening marks a point where earlier planning efforts translate directly into operational reality.

Regional Context and Access

Kings Mountain’s position along Interstate 85 places the casino within a short drive for residents of Charlotte and surrounding counties, while also attracting travelers already moving between larger cities in the Southeast. Highway signage and nearby exits make the site easy to reach for both day visitors and those planning overnight stays once the hotel portion opens. Local infrastructure improvements, including road widening and traffic-signal upgrades completed in recent months, help manage increased vehicle volume during peak hours.

Community leaders in Cleveland County have tracked the project’s progress since its announcement, noting that construction activity has already contributed to local employment in trades such as electrical work, plumbing, and landscaping. The casino’s hiring push for dealers, security staff, and food-service personnel adds another layer of job opportunities as operations scale up.

Future Phases and Timeline

Remaining construction will focus on the full-scale casino building and an attached hotel tower, both scheduled for completion by spring 2027. Once finished, the resort will offer additional gaming space, expanded dining concepts, and lodging that can support multi-day visits. Planners have designed the hotel to include conference rooms and meeting facilities, allowing the property to host events that extend beyond pure gaming tourism.

Officials with the Catawba Nation have stated that each phase will undergo testing and adjustment before the next stage begins, ensuring operational systems remain stable as guest numbers grow. This measured approach mirrors practices used at other tribal gaming properties across the United States, where phased openings help manage both staffing and technology integration.

Conclusion

The opening of this first major phase establishes a working casino floor that already serves thousands of visitors while construction continues on the remaining elements of the Two Kings project. With its convenient location, broad range of gaming options, and clear timeline toward a full resort by spring 2027, the development represents a concrete step forward for the Catawba Nation’s presence in North Carolina’s gaming market. Additional updates on staffing, guest volume, and hotel progress are expected as the property moves through its next construction milestones.