Two Kings Casino Resort Launches Initial Phase as Catawba Nation Advances Major North Carolina Project
The Catawba Nation has opened the first completed phase of its permanent Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, and this development replaces a temporary facility that operated since 2021 while bringing expanded gaming options to the region near Charlotte. Construction on the larger project began in 2024, and the full resort, which carries an estimated cost between one and one point two five billion dollars, is projected to reach completion by spring 2027 with a twenty four story hotel and main casino floor included.
Observers note that the newly opened phase features more than one thousand three hundred slot machines along with electronic gaming tables, traditional table games, sports betting kiosks, a rewards desk, restaurant and bar area, and these elements mark a substantial upgrade from the interim setup that served visitors in recent years. Data from project updates indicate the facility will ultimately employ between two thousand and two thousand two hundred people once the entire resort becomes operational.
Background on the Temporary Operation and Transition
The temporary facility provided gaming access for several years while planners finalized details for the permanent structure, and this approach allowed the Catawba Nation to establish a presence in the market ahead of the full build out. Reports show the transition to the permanent phase reflects ongoing efforts to develop a destination that meets both regulatory standards and visitor expectations in the Charlotte area. Those who have followed the project timeline point out that moving from temporary to permanent operations often involves careful coordination with state and local authorities to ensure compliance throughout each stage.
Details of the Completed Phase
Inside the new phase visitors encounter a mix of gaming formats that includes slot machines, electronic tables, and live table games alongside dedicated sports betting kiosks, and this combination aims to appeal to a range of preferences. A rewards desk supports player loyalty programs while the on site restaurant and bar area provide dining and refreshment options within the same space. Industry updates confirm these components represent the initial major phase of a multi year construction schedule that started in twenty twenty four.
Construction crews continue work on remaining sections even as this phase welcomes guests, and project schedules call for the twenty four story hotel and expanded main casino floor to open by spring twenty twenty seven. Employment figures are expected to scale up gradually as additional areas come online, with the total workforce projected to reach two thousand to two thousand two hundred positions upon full completion. According to North Carolina legislative records on tribal gaming agreements, such phased openings help manage workforce training and operational ramp up in a controlled manner.
Timeline and Economic Projections
Planning for the overall resort began well before ground breaking, and the temporary site served as a bridge during the permitting and design phases that preceded the twenty twenty four start of permanent construction. Full completion remains on track for spring twenty twenty seven, at which point the property will include the hotel tower and larger gaming floor in addition to the elements already open. Employment estimates of two thousand to two thousand two hundred positions reflect both direct casino roles and supporting positions across hospitality and maintenance areas.
In May twenty twenty six, regional economic reports highlighted continued growth in tourism related sectors across the Charlotte metro area, and the Two Kings project contributes to that trend through its phased expansion. Updates from project trackers show steady progress on the remaining structures, with crews focusing on the hotel and additional gaming space while the first phase operates at full capacity.
Looking Ahead
The Catawba Nation continues to oversee development of the remaining phases, and completion of the twenty four story hotel plus main casino floor will finalize the one to one point two five billion dollar investment. Observers tracking tribal gaming expansions note that facilities like this one often become long term contributors to local economies once all components reach operation. The timeline through spring twenty twenty seven provides a clear roadmap for stakeholders monitoring workforce and infrastructure milestones associated with the Kings Mountain location.