Two Kings Casino Enters New Era as Catawba Nation Completes First Phase of Permanent Resort
The Catawba Nation opened the first completed phase of its permanent Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain, North Carolina near Charlotte in early 2026; this milestone replaced a temporary facility that had operated since 2021 while construction crews advanced the larger project. Observers note the new phase brings over 1,300 slot machines along with electronic gaming tables, traditional table games, sports betting kiosks, a rewards desk, restaurant and bar area into permanent structures designed for expanded capacity.
Data from project records shows the overall resort carries a $1 to $1.25 billion investment with construction starting in 2024; full completion including a 24-story hotel and main casino floor remains scheduled for spring 2027. Employment projections from the same records indicate the completed resort will support 2,000 to 2,200 jobs once operations reach full scale.
Transition from Temporary Operations
The temporary facility provided gaming options to visitors throughout the planning and permitting stages; its replacement marks a shift to fixed infrastructure that accommodates higher volumes of machines and amenities. Those who tracked the timeline report the permanent phase incorporates updated layouts that separate gaming zones from dining and service areas for improved flow during peak hours.
Key Features of the Initial Phase
- More than 1,300 slot machines configured across multiple denominations and themes
- Electronic gaming tables alongside traditional table game pits
- Sports betting kiosks integrated into the gaming floor
- Central rewards desk for player tracking and promotions
- Restaurant and bar facilities serving the expanded visitor base
According to industry reports from the American Gaming Association, facilities of this scale often see steady increases in regional visitation once permanent structures open and marketing campaigns expand beyond the immediate Charlotte metro area. The Catawba Nation project follows similar patterns observed at other tribal gaming sites where phased openings allow operators to test systems before full launch.
Construction Timeline and Future Milestones
Work on the remaining portions continues through 2026 with the 24-story hotel tower and additional gaming space targeted for spring 2027 completion. Records indicate crews are currently focusing on structural framing and utility connections that will tie the new tower into the existing phase one buildings. Projections from the development team list interior fit-out and equipment installation beginning later in 2026 once the building envelope reaches weather-tight status.
North Carolina Department of Commerce figures show gaming and hospitality projects in the state have contributed measurable employment growth in surrounding counties during similar build periods. The Two Kings timeline aligns with that pattern as hiring for phase one operations began several months before the opening to allow staff training on the new systems and floor configurations.
Economic Context in the Region
Kings Mountain sits along the I-85 corridor between Charlotte and Spartanburg which positions the resort within a multi-state drive market. Transportation studies from regional planning offices note improved access via existing highway exits that already serve other commercial developments. The Catawba Nation has coordinated with local governments on infrastructure upgrades that support both casino traffic and broader commercial activity along the corridor.
Employment data compiled during the temporary facility period showed hundreds of positions already active; the permanent phase expands those roles while adding specialized positions in hotel operations and larger food and beverage departments once the tower opens. Workforce development programs tied to the project continue to partner with community colleges in Cleveland and Gaston counties to prepare candidates for the remaining construction and operational phases.
Regulatory and Tribal Framework
The Catawba Nation operates under a tribal-state compact that governs gaming activities in North Carolina; compliance reporting from the first months of phase one operations follows the same structure used during the temporary period. State gaming oversight agencies receive regular data submissions on machine counts, game types and responsible gaming measures that match requirements applied to other licensed facilities in the state.
Observers note the phased approach allows the Nation to refine operational protocols before the hotel and expanded floor come online in 2027. Similar projects in other states have used this method to adjust traffic patterns, security staffing models and marketing outreach based on real-time visitor data collected during initial openings.
Conclusion
The opening of the first permanent phase at Two Kings Casino Resort represents a concrete step forward in the Catawba Nation's long-term development plan. With construction continuing toward the 2027 target and employment opportunities expanding in step with each milestone, the project maintains a steady trajectory through the remainder of 2026. Regional economic tracking continues to monitor visitor patterns and job creation as the resort moves closer to its full scope.