Two Kings Casino's Initial Permanent Phase Debuts as Catawba Nation Advances Major North Carolina Resort Development
The Catawba Nation has opened the first completed phase of its permanent Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, a development located near Charlotte that replaces a temporary facility in operation since 2021, and this milestone shifts the project from interim operations to a more substantial permanent structure with expanded gaming and amenities.
Transition from Temporary Operations to Permanent Facility
Observers note that the temporary casino had served as an initial foothold for the Catawba Nation's gaming presence in the region since its launch, while the new phase incorporates over 1,300 slot machines along with electronic gaming tables, traditional table games, and sports betting kiosks, and these additions come paired with practical features such as a rewards desk, restaurant, and bar area that support daily visitor needs without requiring further travel to separate venues.
Construction on the larger project began in 2024, and the overall investment ranges between one billion and one point two five billion dollars, with the full resort including a 24-story hotel and main casino floor now scheduled for completion by spring 2027; this timeline allows phased openings that maintain operational continuity while scaling up capacity.
Key Features of the Newly Opened Phase
People familiar with the site describe how the current phase integrates multiple gaming formats under one roof, creating a consolidated experience that includes both electronic options and live table games, and the inclusion of sports betting kiosks reflects broader trends in regulated gaming that have emerged across various states in recent years.
The rewards desk provides a central point for player tracking and promotions, while the adjacent restaurant and bar area offer on-site dining that connects directly to the gaming floor, and this layout reduces the need for separate excursions during a visit.
Employment Projections and Regional Economic Context
Figures from project announcements indicate that the completed resort will employ between 2,000 and 2,200 people once fully operational, a workforce level that builds on the initial staffing established during the temporary phase and expands as additional hotel and casino elements come online.
By May 2026, construction activity is expected to intensify toward the spring 2027 deadline, with crews focusing on the high-rise hotel structure and the primary casino floor that will anchor the resort's long-term operations, and this schedule aligns with the phased approach that has already delivered the first permanent segment.
Project Scope and Future Completion Timeline
The total development spans a multi-year buildout that began with site preparation in 2024, and the current phase represents roughly the initial third of the planned footprint according to available project outlines, while the remaining elements such as the 24-story hotel tower will add lodging capacity that supports extended stays and larger events.
Reports from World Casino Directory detail how the opening maintains momentum from the temporary facility's years of operation, adn additional coverage in industry updates confirms the integration of sports betting alongside traditional table games as a core component of the new layout.
Geographic and Regulatory Setting
Kings Mountain sits in Cleveland County, positioned approximately 30 miles west of Charlotte, and this location places the resort within reach of a major metropolitan population while remaining in a setting that allows for the scale of a billion-dollar project, and state regulatory frameworks in North Carolina have governed the transition from temporary to permanent status through established licensing processes.
Those who have tracked similar developments note that the Catawba Nation's approach follows patterns seen in other tribal gaming expansions across the southeastern United States, where initial facilities give way to larger resorts that incorporate hotels, dining, and diversified entertainment options over time.
Conclusion
The opening of this first permanent phase marks a clear step forward for the Two Kings Casino Resort, with the remaining construction phases set to unfold through spring 2027 and bring the full complement of hotel rooms and expanded gaming space, and the projected employment range of 2,000 to 2,200 positions underscores the scale of the undertaking as it moves from planning documents to operational reality.