Catawba Nation Unveils Introductory Phase of Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain
The Catawba Nation opened the first phase of its 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 the tribe advanced its larger project.
Developers positioned the new venue as the starting point for a $1 billion resort that will eventually span 2 million square feet and include a 385-room hotel scheduled to open in spring 2027. The initial phase features 1,350 slot machines along with 22 traditional table games and 36 electronic table games plus a restaurant and bar, sports betting kiosks, and dedicated parking facilities.
Facility Details and Layout
Visitors encountered a streamlined gaming floor designed for quick access to both mechanical and digital options, while the addition of sports betting kiosks created separate zones for those interested in wagering on live events. The restaurant and bar area provides seating for guests who want to take breaks between sessions, and the parking structures accommodate the thousands of people who arrived on opening day according to local reports.
Staff members guided patrons through the space during the first hours of operation and this approach helped manage the flow of crowds that exceeded expectations for the introductory casino. The layout keeps gaming areas distinct from dining and entertainment zones so that movement remains efficient even when attendance peaks.
Employment and Workforce Growth
The Catawba Nation has hired about 600 people so far to staff the new phase and these positions cover dealer roles, slot technicians, hospitality services, and security. Plans call for expansion to more than 2,000 jobs once the full resort including the hotel opens in spring 2027 which would significantly increase the workforce in the Kings Mountain area near Charlotte.
Training programs began months before the May 20 opening and they focused on both gaming regulations and customer service standards required for the mixed selection of table games and electronic options. Those who secured early positions now operate the 1,350 slot machines and the combined 58 table game stations that include both traditional and electronic formats.
Transition from Temporary Facility
The temporary facility that operated since 2021 served as a testing ground for the tribe's gaming operations in North Carolina and it allowed the Catawba Nation to build experience with local regulations and visitor patterns. The shift to the new phase on May 20, 2026 marked a clear upgrade in capacity and amenities that directly addresses the limitations of the earlier setup.
Operators transferred equipment and staff from the temporary site while adding new machines and gaming stations that expanded the overall offerings. This transition kept operations continuous for regular patrons yet introduced the larger scale that the full resort will deliver once construction finishes in 2027.
Visitor Response and Initial Operations
Thousands of visitors arrived on opening day and they explored the 1,350 slot machines as well as the 22 traditional table games and 36 electronic table games that together form the core gaming experience. Sports betting kiosks drew additional interest from those who wanted to place wagers on ongoing events while the restaurant and bar provided spaces for social gatherings.
Parking facilities handled the influx without major delays and staff maintained steady service across all sections of the introductory casino. Data collected during the first day showed strong engagement with both mechanical slots and digital table options which suggests balanced interest across the different gaming formats available.
Local traffic patterns adjusted around the Kings Mountain location as more drivers used the dedicated access roads leading to the resort. Officials coordinated with nearby communities to monitor any effects on surrounding areas and this coordination continued through the initial operating period.
Future Development Timeline
Construction continues on the remaining sections of the 2-million-square-foot resort with the 385-room hotel set to open in spring 2027. Once complete the full property will integrate the current gaming floor into a larger complex that includes additional amenities and expanded employment opportunities.
The Catawba Nation maintains its focus on phased development so that each stage builds upon the previous one while meeting regulatory requirements in North Carolina. This method allows the tribe to adjust operations based on early performance data from the introductory casino before the hotel and other features come online.
Conclusion
The May 20, 2026 opening of the first phase represents a significant step in the Catawba Nation's long-term plans for the Two Kings Casino Resort. With 1,350 slot machines, combined table game offerings, dining options, and sports betting kiosks now active, the venue serves as the foundation for the larger 2-million-square-foot property scheduled for completion in spring 2027. Employment has reached approximately 600 positions so far with expectations to surpass 2,000 jobs once the hotel opens. The transition from the temporary facility that operated since 2021 demonstrates steady progress toward the full resort vision.