Catawba Nation Marks Milestone with Opening of Introductory Casino Phase at Two Kings Resort

The Catawba Nation opened the first phase of its Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort on May 20, 2026 in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, and this introductory casino replaced a temporary facility that had operated since 2021 while introducing a more permanent structure with expanded gaming options and visitor amenities. The new venue features 1,350 slot machines along with 22 traditional table games, 36 electronic table games, a restaurant and bar, sports betting kiosks, and dedicated parking facilities, all of which drew thousands of visitors on opening day according to reports from local observers and tribal representatives.

Employment efforts have already resulted in about 600 people hired so far, yet planners anticipate more than 2,000 jobs once the full resort reaches completion. The project spans a 2-million-square-foot development that incorporates a 385-room hotel, and this larger component remains scheduled to open in spring 2027, allowing the tribe to build on the initial phase while scaling operations over the coming months.

Background on the Development Timeline

Construction and planning for the Two Kings Casino Resort began years earlier as the Catawba Nation sought to establish a lasting presence in the region near Charlotte, and the temporary facility served as an interim step that operated continuously since 2021 while the permanent site took shape. The May 20, 2026 opening therefore represents the culmination of that initial build-out phase, shifting focus from temporary setups to a dedicated structure designed for higher capacity and broader appeal among local residents plus travelers from surrounding areas.

Those who have studied tribal gaming developments note that phased openings like this one allow operators to test systems and staff training before the full resort comes online, and the Catawba Nation has followed a similar pattern by prioritizing the casino floor elements first. The temporary facility's closure coincides with this transition, marking a shift toward the larger vision that includes the hotel tower and additional entertainment spaces slated for 2027.

Economic and Employment Impacts

The hiring of roughly 600 staff members to date supports immediate operations at the new casino, and projections call for expansion beyond 2,000 total positions as the full resort opens, bringing sustained employment opportunities to the Kings Mountain area and nearby communities. Observers from regional economic groups point out that such developments often stimulate secondary businesses like suppliers and service providers, though the core focus remains on the direct jobs created through the resort's gaming, hospitality, and support roles.

Data from similar tribal projects in the southeastern United States shows measurable increases in local tax revenues and workforce participation once facilities reach full operation, and the Catawba Nation's approach aligns with those patterns by sequencing the opening to build infrastructure gradually. The 2-million-square-foot scale of the overall resort underscores the long-term commitment, with the 385-room hotel component expected to draw overnight guests starting in spring 2027 and further boost regional tourism numbers.

Visitor Experience and Opening Day Details

Thousands of people visited the site on May 20, 2026, reflecting strong initial interest in the new gaming options and amenities that replaced the earlier temporary setup. The layout incorporates easy access to the slot machines, table game areas, and sports betting kiosks, while the restaurant and bar offer convenient spots for breaks during extended stays at the venue. Parking availability helped accommodate the influx without major disruptions, and staff members who had been trained in advance managed the crowds effectively from the first day.

Community members and regional visitors alike participated in the launch events, which highlighted the transition from the 2021-era temporary facility to this more comprehensive introductory casino. Experts in hospitality operations emphasize that smooth openings depend on coordinated staffing and clear signage, both of which appear to have contributed to the positive reception reported at the Kings Mountain location.

Future Phases and Long-Term Plans

With the first phase now operational, attention turns to the remaining elements of the resort, including the 385-room hotel and additional square footage that will bring the total developed space to 2 million square feet by spring 2027. This timeline allows for continued hiring and refinement of services based on feedback from the current casino operations, ensuring the full property meets expectations once it opens. The Catawba Nation has outlined a clear progression that prioritizes gaming revenue generation in the near term while preparing for expanded hospitality offerings later.

Regional planning documents indicate that the completed resort could serve as a significant draw for both day-trippers and overnight guests, particularly given its proximity to Charlotte and major travel routes. Ongoing recruitment efforts aim to reach the target of more than 2,000 employees, covering roles across gaming floors, food service, security, and maintenance as the project advances toward its next milestone.

Conclusion

The May 20, 2026 opening of the first phase at the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort stands as a key step in the tribe's long-term development strategy, delivering immediate gaming and entertainment options while laying groundwork for the larger property set to open in 2027. With 1,350 slot machines, multiple table game formats, sports betting access, and supporting amenities already in place, the venue has quickly engaged thousands of visitors and created hundreds of jobs in the Kings Mountain area. As construction and hiring continue, the full resort promises further economic contributions once the hotel and remaining facilities come online next spring.