Catawba Nation Launches Initial Phase of Two Kings Casino Resort
The Catawba Nation opened the first phase of its Two Kings Casino Resort on May 20, 2026, in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, and this introductory casino facility replaced a temporary operation that had been running since 2021 while construction progressed on the larger project.
Visitors encountered 1,350 slot machines alongside 22 traditional table games and 36 electronic table games on opening day, plus a restaurant and bar, sports betting kiosks, and expanded parking facilities that handled the crowds drawn to the site near Charlotte.
Facility Details and Immediate Operations
Thousands of people arrived throughout the day to experience the new gaming floor, where staff managed the mix of slot machines and table games while the sports betting kiosks provided additional options for guests interested in wagering on events. The restaurant and bar areas offered dining choices integrated into the casino layout, which observers noted helped maintain steady foot traffic from morning through evening hours.
The tribe has hired about 600 people so far to staff this opening phase, and those positions cover gaming operations, guest services, food and beverage, and security, with training programs already underway to prepare additional workers for the full resort schedule.
Development Timeline and Future Expansion
Construction continues on the remaining sections of the $1 billion project, which will span roughly 2 million square feet when complete, and the full Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort is scheduled to open in spring 2027 with a 385-room hotel as its centerpiece. This phased approach allowed the Catawba Nation to begin generating revenue and employment while finishing the larger hotel, entertainment, and amenity spaces that will round out the destination.
Planners have outlined more than 2,000 total jobs once the resort reaches full operation, covering roles across the expanded gaming areas, hotel management, dining outlets, and support services that will serve both local visitors and tourists traveling from surrounding states.
Economic Context and Regional Impact
Local economic reports indicate the temporary facility had already contributed to job growth in the Kings Mountain area since 2021, and the transition to this permanent first phase builds on that foundation by introducing a larger gaming selection and improved amenities. Data from the opening weekend showed sustained visitor numbers, which in turn supported nearby businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation services.
According to information shared by tribal officials and covered in regional coverage, the project forms part of broader economic development efforts by the Catawba Nation that focus on tourism and hospitality infrastructure. The National Indian Gaming Commission tracks similar tribal casino developments across the United States, and statistics from that agency highlight how phased openings often lead to steady employment increases over the first two years of operation.
Parking facilities at the site were designed to accommodate large daily crowds, and transportation routes from Charlotte and surrounding communities saw increased use on launch day. This accessibility factor helped draw a diverse group of guests, including both first-time casino visitors and regulars from the earlier temporary location.
Employment and Workforce Preparation
Workforce development programs launched by the tribe have focused on hiring locally while also recruiting experienced gaming professionals from other markets, and the current staff of roughly 600 continues to grow through ongoing recruitment drives. Plans call for the total to exceed 2,000 once the hotel and additional entertainment venues come online in 2027, at which point training modules will expand to cover hotel operations and large-scale event management.
Community partnerships with area colleges and vocational schools have supplied candidates for entry-level and technical positions, and those collaborations are expected to continue as the resort scales up its operations in the coming year.
Conclusion
The May 20, 2026, opening of the first phase at the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort marks a key step in the tribe's long-term development strategy for its $1 billion property in Kings Mountain. With 1,350 slot machines, dozens of table games, dining options, and sports betting available immediately, the facility has begun serving thousands of daily visitors while the workforce expands toward its eventual total of more than 2,000 positions. Construction on the 385-room hotel and remaining resort components continues toward the spring 2027 target, at which point the full 2-million-square-foot complex will be operational and ready to welcome an even broader range of guests.