Catawba Nation Marks Milestone as Two Kings Casino Resort Opens First Phase of Permanent Facility
The Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain, North Carolina opened the first completed phase of its permanent casino facility on or around May 21, 2026 and this development replaced a temporary facility that had operated since 2021. The new gaming floor features more than 1,300 slot machines along with electronic gaming tables, traditional table games, sports betting kiosks, dining options and other amenities as part of the Catawba Nation’s larger $1.25 billion resort project which is expected to include a full permanent casino, hotel and additional facilities by 2027.
Observers note that this phase represents a significant step forward in the overall timeline because the temporary structure had served visitors for several years while construction continued on the permanent buildings. Data from industry tracking sources shows the expansion aligns with broader trends in tribal gaming developments across the southeastern United States where multiple nations have pursued similar phased approaches to manage costs and operational continuity.
Project Timeline and Background
The Catawba Nation initiated planning for the Two Kings resort several years ago and the temporary casino opened in 2021 to establish market presence while permanent infrastructure took shape. Construction crews completed the initial phase of the permanent gaming floor in time for the May 2026 opening and this allowed seamless transition for guests who had already become familiar with the property. According to reports from World Casino Directory, the new space integrates modern gaming technology with traditional offerings to serve a diverse visitor base.
Those who have followed the project point out that the $1.25 billion total investment covers not only the casino but also hotel accommodations and additional amenities scheduled for later phases. The phased rollout means certain elements such as expanded dining and entertainment venues remain under construction even as the core gaming area becomes operational. Researchers at tribal gaming associations have documented similar strategies in other states where staggered openings help maintain revenue streams during extended build periods.
Features of the New Gaming Floor
The permanent facility’s gaming floor spans a larger footprint than the temporary setup and includes more than 1,300 slot machines that range from classic reel games to advanced video terminals with progressive jackpots. Electronic gaming tables sit alongside traditional table games such as blackjack, roulette and poker while sports betting kiosks provide self-service options for wagering on major events. Dining venues within the new phase offer a variety of cuisines and these options connect directly to the gaming areas to enhance convenience for visitors.
Additional amenities include updated restrooms, improved lighting and climate control systems along with dedicated spaces for player rewards programs. The design incorporates elements that reflect Catawba cultural heritage through artwork and architectural details and this approach has appeared in other tribal casino projects where community identity remains central to the guest experience. Figures from state gaming revenue reports indicate that properties with integrated cultural features often sustain higher repeat visitation rates over time.
Impact on Local Operations and Future Plans
Transitioning from the temporary facility to the permanent phase required careful coordination so that daily operations continued without interruption for staff and guests. The new structure provides greater capacity and improved infrastructure that supports higher volumes of visitors while meeting updated regulatory standards for safety and accessibility. Experts at regional economic development organizations have observed that such upgrades frequently correlate with increased employment opportunities in surrounding communities as hospitality and service roles expand.
Remaining phases of the $1.25 billion project include a full-service hotel and additional entertainment facilities scheduled for completion by 2027. Project managers have outlined timelines that prioritize structural integrity and regulatory compliance at each stage and this methodical process helps avoid delays that have affected other large-scale resort developments. Data compiled by the National Indian Gaming Commission shows that phased construction remains a common practice among tribal nations managing multi-year capital investments.
Conclusion
The May 2026 opening of the first permanent phase at Two Kings Casino Resort establishes a concrete milestone in the Catawba Nation’s long-term development strategy. The expanded gaming floor, combined with existing amenities, positions the property for continued growth as subsequent phases reach completion by 2027. Industry observers continue to track how this and similar projects influence regional gaming markets and economic indicators in North Carolina and neighboring states.