It will be North Carolina’s largest gaming resort, and a year after breaking ground, the first phase of the project is now expected to be open to the public in the spring of 2026.
New Day Dawning
Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain has been operating at a temporary location since 2021, but that will be a vestige of the past by next spring as the new billion-dollar facility opens its first phase to the public. The gambling behemoth is located 35 miles from Charlotte, and its proximity to the South Carolina border makes it a draw for both North and South Carolinians.
The initial phase available to the public will feature more than 1300 slot machines with 22 table games, a restaurant, a bar, and sports betting kiosks.
Hiring Surge
Trent Troxel, vice president of the Catawba Nation Gaming Authority, said, “Right now, we have around 490 employees. We’re going to hire 2,000 more employees between now and 2027, when we open up the permanent casino,” he said.
The rest of the casino is estimated to be completed by 2027 and will feature 4,300 slot machines, 100 table games, 11 dining venues, a players’ lounge, 11 bars, and a 2,700-space parking garage built under the casino complex, along with 800 surface parking spaces.
Tribal Partnerships
Two Kings Casino is being run by the Catawba Nation in partnership with hospitality company Delaware North, but the Eastern Band of Cherokees currently operates the state’s two other casinos in partnership with Caesars Entertainment.
FanDuel, Fanatics Sportsbook, DraftKings, ESPN BET, BetMGM, bet365, Caesars and Underdog are all operating licensed mobile sportsbooks in the state through partnerships with one of the state’s professional sports franchises, a federally recognized Native American tribe in the state, NASCAR, PGA Tour, or a pro sports venue. Retail sports betting is only available at the three casinos, and those are the gaming options in North Carolina.
Economic Boon
The Two Kings Casino will not only be the largest casino venue in the state but it will also have an enormous economic impact on the region. The facility currently requires more than 400 construction jobs, but that will spiral to approximately 2200 by the time it is fully functional.
“We persevered to achieve a fair deal so that we can now realize the full financial and economic benefits of the project for Catawba Nation members and residents of Cleveland County,” Catawba Nation Chief Brian Harris wrote in a news release. “The establishment of this casino is not just about bricks and mortar; it symbolizes our commitment to preserving our tribal identity, supporting our community, and creating opportunities for our people.”
The Two Kings Casino is expected to draw visitors from all over the region and become a tourist destination that will drive traffic and revenue and will elevate the quality of life for people within its economic belt. Jobs, education, and social programs will be impacted by the casino, and knowing that it is a Native American casino that has ties to the region signals a clear commitment to the area for generations to come.
