Catawba Nation Marks Opening of First Permanent Phase at Two Kings Casino Resort
The Catawba Nation opened the first completed phase of its permanent Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain, North Carolina near Charlotte, replacing a temporary facility that had operated since 2021 while construction advanced on the larger project. This initial segment brings over 1,300 slot machines along with electronic gaming tables, traditional table games, sports betting kiosks, a rewards desk, restaurant, and bar area into a fixed structure designed for long-term operations.
Reports from industry observers indicate that the transition from the temporary site allows for expanded capacity and improved infrastructure, with the new facilities integrating directly into the broader resort framework. Construction on the overall $1 to $1.25 billion project began in 2024, positioning this phase as an early milestone in a multi-year buildout expected to reach full completion by spring 2027.
Details of the Newly Opened Phase
Inside the completed section, visitors encounter more than 1,300 slot machines positioned alongside electronic gaming tables that support various interactive formats, while dedicated spaces house traditional table games for those preferring dealer-led experiences. Sports betting kiosks provide access to wagering options, and a centralized rewards desk handles player accounts and loyalty programs. Supporting amenities include a restaurant and bar area that serve food and beverages within the gaming environment, creating an integrated space for extended stays.
Those familiar with the prior temporary facility note that the permanent setup offers greater square footage and streamlined layouts, allowing for smoother movement between gaming zones and service areas. Data from project updates shows these elements form the core of the initial phase, with mechanical systems and structural components built to accommodate future expansions without disruption to current operations.
Timeline and Scale of the Full Resort Project
Full completion of the Two Kings Casino Resort remains scheduled for spring 2027, at which point a 24-story hotel and main casino floor will join the existing phase. The overall investment ranges between $1 billion and $1.25 billion, reflecting the scope of infrastructure required for a destination that combines gaming, lodging, and dining under one management structure. Employment projections for the completed resort stand at 2,000 to 2,200 positions, covering roles across gaming operations, hospitality, maintenance, and guest services.
Progress since construction started in 2024 has included site preparation, foundation work, and phased installation of gaming equipment, with the first segment now open to the public. Additional phases will incorporate the hotel tower and expanded casino floor, ensuring that each stage aligns with regulatory approvals and operational readiness standards in North Carolina.
According to coverage on World Casino Directory, the opening sequence follows a deliberate sequence that prioritizes foundational gaming and service elements before layering in larger vertical construction. This approach reduces downtime and allows revenue generation to support ongoing building activities through 2027.
Economic and Operational Context
The resort development contributes to regional employment pipelines in Cleveland County, where the 2,000 to 2,200 projected positions represent a mix of full-time and part-time opportunities across multiple departments. Training programs tied to the casino operations prepare staff for both immediate phase-one roles and future responsibilities once the hotel and main floor come online. Local infrastructure improvements, including road access and utility connections, accompany the project to handle increased visitor traffic once the full property activates.
Additional details from project updates confirm that the rewards desk in the opened phase integrates with a broader loyalty system that will expand as more amenities open. This continuity ensures that players who used the temporary facility can transition their accounts seamlessly into the permanent setting without loss of status or accumulated points.
Looking Ahead to Spring 2027 Completion
With the first phase operational, attention now turns to vertical construction of the 24-story hotel and the remaining casino floor sections. Timelines indicate that structural steel work and interior fit-outs will continue through 2026, culminating in the spring 2027 target date. Once finished, the resort will operate as a unified complex that combines the current gaming offerings with additional table game pits, expanded dining venues, and hotel accommodations.
Conclusion
The opening of this initial phase establishes a working foundation for the Two Kings Casino Resort while the remaining elements advance toward their 2027 finish line. Employment figures, facility specifications, and investment totals remain consistent with earlier announcements, providing a clear framework for what the completed property will deliver. Observers tracking the project note that each milestone, including this one, brings the overall vision closer to realization without altering the core parameters set at the outset.