Two Kings Casino Breaks Ground on Permanent Home as Catawba Nation Advances Kings Mountain Project
The Catawba Nation has opened the first completed phase of its permanent Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain, North Carolina near Charlotte, and this development replaces a temporary facility that operated since 2021. The new phase features more than 1,300 slot machines along with electronic gaming tables, traditional table games, sports betting kiosks, a rewards desk, restaurant and bar area, and observers note that construction on the larger project began in 2024 with full completion including a 24-story hotel and main casino floor expected by spring 2027.
Project Scope and Timeline Details
According to project records the overall investment ranges between 1 and 1.25 billion dollars while employment projections reach 2,000 to 2,200 positions once operations reach full scale, and this phased approach allows the resort to transition from its earlier temporary setup without interrupting service to visitors. The permanent structure brings expanded gaming capacity to the region while the timeline keeps major milestones aligned through 2027.
Regional Economic Context
North Carolina gaming developments often tie into broader economic strategies, and data from state economic reports show how tribal projects contribute to local employment and tourism metrics in areas like Cleveland County. The Catawba Nation's move to a permanent facility builds on the temporary operation that drew steady visitors since 2021, and figures from industry tracking indicate continued interest in such expansions across the Southeast.
What's notable here involves the integration of multiple gaming formats in one location, including sports betting kiosks alongside traditional tables and slots, which aligns with evolving player preferences documented in recent surveys from the American Gaming Association. Construction crews started work in 2024 on the main structures, and updates confirm steady progress toward the spring 2027 target date for the hotel tower and expanded casino floor.
Operational Transition from Temporary Site
The shift from the temporary facility to this completed phase marks a key step for the Catawba Nation's gaming operations, and reports highlight how the new amenities provide immediate upgrades in space and variety. Visitors now access over 1,300 slots plus electronic and live table options in a dedicated building, while the rewards desk supports loyalty programs that track play across the floor. This setup prepares the site for later additions like the 24-story hotel without requiring further interruptions once the full resort opens.
Industry analysts have tracked similar phased openings at other tribal properties, and evidence from those cases shows how initial phases generate revenue that funds subsequent construction stages. The Two Kings project follows this pattern with its 2024 start date leading to the current opening and the 2027 completion horizon, and observers note the approach minimizes downtime for staff and guests alike.
Employment and Community Impact Projections
Projections place total employment between 2,000 and 2,200 once the resort reaches full operation, and workforce development programs often accompany such projects to prepare local residents for positions in gaming, hospitality and support roles. The Catawba Nation has coordinated with regional partners on training initiatives, and state labor data reflects growing demand in these sectors around Kings Mountain and Charlotte metro areas.
As developments continue into May 2026 the first phase remains operational while crews advance on the remaining structures, and this timeline keeps the project on track for the spring 2027 unveiling of the hotel and main floor. Updates from project stakeholders emphasize steady hiring and supplier contracts that support the regional economy throughout construction.
Future Phases and Completion Outlook
The remaining elements include the 24-story hotel tower along with the primary casino floor, and these additions will expand capacity significantly beyond the current phase one footprint. Full completion by spring 2027 will consolidate all operations under one permanent roof, and the total investment range of 1 to 1.25 billion dollars reflects the scale of infrastructure involved in the multi-year build.
Regulatory filings and progress reports continue to document compliance with state and tribal gaming standards throughout the process, and this adherence supports the transition from temporary to permanent facilities. The Catawba Nation's approach demonstrates how phased development allows for operational continuity while major construction proceeds on adjacent areas of the site.
Conclusion
The opening of phase one at Two Kings Casino Resort represents a measured advancement in the Catawba Nation's long-term plans for the Kings Mountain location, and the project maintains its trajectory toward full completion in spring 2027 with employment figures expected to reach 2,000 to 2,200. Ongoing work through 2026 will focus on the hotel and expanded gaming spaces, and the entire effort builds directly on the foundation established by the temporary facility since 2021. This single news development continues to unfold with updates available through official project channels and regional economic sources.