Two Kings Casino Project Advances With Catawba Nation Phase One Launch Near Charlotte
On May 21, 2026, the Catawba Nation opened the first major phase of its Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, near Charlotte and Interstate 85, and this development replaces a temporary gaming facility that had operated since 2021 while construction on the larger project continues.
The introductory casino includes over 1,300 slot machines along with electronic gaming tables, traditional table games, sports betting kiosks, a restaurant, and bar areas, and these elements form the core of the initial operations that mark a shift from the earlier temporary setup.
Project Background and Timeline
The Catawba Nation selected the Kings Mountain site for its Two Kings Casino Resort because of its proximity to major travel routes and the Charlotte metropolitan area, and the temporary facility that opened in 2021 served as an initial step before the permanent structures took shape.
Construction on the full $1–1.25 billion resort remains underway with the permanent casino floor scheduled for spring 2027 and overall completion including a 24-story hotel targeted for later in 2027, and this phased approach allows operations to begin while additional buildings rise on the property.
Features of the Initial Casino Phase
Visitors to the new phase encounter a gaming floor equipped with more than 1,300 slot machines plus electronic gaming tables and traditional table games, and the inclusion of sports betting kiosks provides additional options that connect to broader entertainment offerings.
A restaurant and bar areas support the gaming activities by offering dining and beverage services on site, and these amenities operate within the introductory layout that functions as a bridge to the expanded resort planned for future years.
Economic and Employment Projections
The project carries projections for 2,000 to 2,200 jobs once fully operational, and these positions span casino operations, hospitality services, and support roles that align with the resort's scale.
Local economic activity around Kings Mountain stands to benefit from the ongoing construction and eventual full opening, while the phased timeline supports steady workforce development as the property grows from its current introductory state toward the 2027 targets.
Construction Progress and Future Milestones
Work on the permanent casino floor continues with an expected spring 2027 opening, and the 24-story hotel represents a later stage that will complete the resort vision by the end of that year according to current schedules.
The $1–1.25 billion investment covers multiple phases that began with the temporary facility in 2021 and now extend through the introductory casino opened in May 2026, and this sequence reflects a deliberate buildout that manages both operational startup and large-scale development simultaneously.
Regional Context and Access
Kings Mountain's location near Charlotte and Interstate 85 positions the resort for convenient access from regional travelers, and the Catawba Nation's decision to develop here builds on existing transportation infrastructure that supports visitor flow.
The replacement of the 2021 temporary gaming facility with the new phase integrates prior operations into a more substantial venue, and this transition maintains continuity while introducing expanded features ahead of the 2027 permanent additions.
Conclusion
The May 21, 2026, opening of the first major phase at Two Kings Casino Resort establishes a foundation for the larger project that the Catawba Nation continues to advance toward its 2027 goals, and the combination of gaming options, dining facilities, and employment projections outlines the scope of activity at the Kings Mountain site. Observers note that the phased timeline allows incremental progress while the full resort including the hotel takes shape, and data from the development indicate steady movement through the outlined milestones.