Catawba Nation Opens First Phase of Permanent Two Kings Casino Resort Near Charlotte

The Catawba Nation opened the first completed phase of its permanent Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, and this development replaces the temporary facility that had operated since 2021 while introducing expanded gaming and hospitality options near Charlotte. Construction on the larger project began in 2024 with a total investment ranging from $1 billion to $1.25 billion, and observers note the phased approach allows for gradual integration of new amenities alongside ongoing work toward full completion by spring 2027.

Details of the Initial Phase Opening

The newly opened section features more than 1,300 slot machines along with electronic gaming tables and traditional table games that together create a comprehensive gaming environment, while sports betting kiosks, a rewards desk, restaurant, and bar area provide additional services for visitors. This configuration builds directly on the temporary operations yet scales up capacity in a permanent structure designed to support long-term regional presence.

People familiar with the site describe how the layout connects gaming floors to dining and bar spaces in a way that encourages extended stays, and the rewards desk serves as a central point for player tracking across all offerings. Electronic gaming tables sit alongside classic table games, which creates variety without requiring separate zones, while sports betting kiosks occupy prominent positions near high-traffic pathways.

Broader Project Scope and Employment Projections

Once complete the resort will include a 24-story hotel and main casino floor, yet the current phase already establishes core operations that will expand over the coming years. Full build-out is scheduled for spring 2027, at which point employment is expected to reach between 2,000 and 2,200 people across all departments. Construction milestones continue through 2026, with crews focusing on structural elements for the hotel tower and additional gaming space during that period.

By May 2026 the project timeline points toward intensified work on interior finishes and hotel integration, which will prepare the property for the final push toward spring 2027 operations. This schedule keeps the emphasis on sequential delivery so each new element can open without disrupting existing guest services.

Location Context and Regional Connections

Kings Mountain sits approximately 30 miles west of Charlotte, which places the resort within easy reach of the metropolitan area while drawing from surrounding counties as well. The Catawba Nation selected the site for its accessibility along major transportation corridors, and the permanent facility strengthens the tribe's established presence in North Carolina gaming. Temporary operations since 2021 served as a proof-of-concept that informed the design choices now visible in the opened phase, particularly the mix of slot machines, table games, and sports betting options.

Industry reports from World Casino Directory document the transition from temporary to permanent structures, noting how the initial phase incorporates lessons from earlier operations into a larger footprint. Data compiled by the same source also tracks the overall budget range and employment targets, which remain consistent with earlier announcements.

Operational Elements and Guest Amenities

Inside the opened phase, slot machines occupy the largest share of floor space, yet the inclusion of both electronic and traditional table games broadens appeal across different player preferences. Sports betting kiosks operate independently but remain integrated into the overall rewards system, allowing visitors to accumulate points across activities. The restaurant and bar area sit adjacent to gaming zones, which facilitates movement between dining and play without leaving the main building envelope.

Staffing for this phase draws from local hiring pools while preparing for the larger workforce that will be needed once the hotel and additional casino floor open. Training programs focus on both gaming regulations and hospitality standards, ensuring consistency as the resort grows. The rewards desk functions as the primary contact point for loyalty members, handling everything from point redemptions to event notifications.

Timeline Outlook Through 2027

With the first phase now operational, attention shifts to the remaining structures that will round out the $1–1.25 billion investment. The 24-story hotel will add lodging capacity that currently does not exist on site, and the main casino floor will expand gaming options beyond what the initial phase provides. Spring 2027 remains the target date for full completion, which aligns with earlier projections released when construction began in 2024.

Progress updates indicate that foundation and structural work for the hotel tower are advancing on schedule, while mechanical and electrical systems for the expanded gaming areas continue installation. These parallel tracks allow the resort to maintain current operations while building toward the larger vision.

Conclusion

The opening of this first permanent phase marks a clear step forward for the Catawba Nation's Two Kings Casino Resort project, replacing the temporary facility with a more substantial operation that includes over 1,300 slot machines, mixed gaming tables, sports betting kiosks, and supporting amenities. The $1–1.25 billion development continues on its established timeline, with full completion including the 24-story hotel expected in spring 2027 and employment projected at 2,000–2,200 positions. All elements remain grounded in the specific details released about the Kings Mountain location, and further updates will track how subsequent phases integrate with the facilities now open to the public.