Catawba Indian Nation Opens First Phase of Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain

The Catawba Indian Nation held its ribbon-cutting ceremony for the initial phase of the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort on May 20, 2026, in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, and observers note that this marks a significant step for the tribe's gaming operations in the state.

During the event Chief Brian Harris highlighted the $1.2 billion project while confirming that the temporary facility features 1,350 slot machines along with additional amenities designed to serve visitors immediately, and those who've followed the development understand that this opening represents the start of a larger vision rather than the endpoint.

Details of the Initial Phase Opening

The temporary casino began operations right after the ceremony, and data from similar regional projects shows that early access to slots and related facilities often builds steady visitor traffic ahead of permanent structures; the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort follows that pattern by delivering gaming options without delay while construction continues on the full property.

People familiar with tribal gaming timelines recognize that phased openings allow tribes to generate revenue and refine operations, and the Catawba Indian Nation applied that approach here by prioritizing the slot floor and core amenities for the May 20 launch.

Announcement of Additional Casino Plans

Chief Brian Harris used the ribbon-cutting platform to state that the tribe has identified sites for two more casinos within North Carolina, and negotiations with relevant parties remain underway according to the announcement. This expansion strategy builds directly on the Two Kings project, and researchers who track tribal gaming growth note that such sequential developments often strengthen long-term economic positioning for nations like the Catawba.

The announcement came as attendees toured the new facility, and it underscores the Catawba Indian Nation's intent to establish multiple locations rather than concentrate efforts in a single market, which aligns with patterns observed in other tribal casino portfolios across the country.

Timeline for the Permanent Resort

The full permanent resort, which will include a hotel and expanded amenities, carries a target completion window of spring or summer 2027, and project updates released alongside the May opening confirm that construction crews continue work on the permanent structures while the temporary casino operates. This dual-track approach keeps revenue flowing even as the larger facility takes shape, and those monitoring the timeline expect visible milestones by the end of 2026.

By July 2026 the temporary casino had already completed its first full month of operations, and figures from the initial period indicate consistent daily attendance that supports the tribe's decision to maintain the phased rollout rather than wait for the permanent build to finish.

Context Within Broader Development Efforts

The Catawba Indian Nation has pursued gaming expansion in North Carolina for several years, and the Two Kings project represents the most advanced component of that effort to date. Site selection for the additional two casinos reflects ongoing assessments of market potential and regulatory pathways, while the current negotiations aim to secure necessary agreements before groundbreaking occurs at those locations.

Observers note that the $1.2 billion investment at Kings Mountain sets a benchmark for scale, and the tribe's stated plans for two further properties suggest a multi-site network could emerge over the next several years once the remaining deals finalize.

Conclusion

The May 20, 2026, ribbon-cutting established the operational start of the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort's first phase, and Chief Brian Harris's simultaneous announcement of two additional planned casinos clarified the tribe's forward direction. With the permanent resort scheduled for spring or summer 2027, the Catawba Indian Nation continues advancing its North Carolina gaming presence through both immediate operations and longer-term site development.