Catawba Nation Marks Milestone with Phase One Launch of Two Kings Casino Resort
The Catawba Nation has opened the first completed phase of its permanent Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, near Charlotte, and this development replaces a temporary facility that operated since 2021; the new section brings expanded gaming options along with dining and service areas to the site while the overall project continues toward its 2027 target.
Construction on the larger resort began in 2024 as part of a 1 to 1.25 billion dollar investment that will eventually include a 24-story hotel and main casino floor, with full completion scheduled for spring 2027; the phase one opening delivers immediate capacity increases and sets the foundation for the remaining structures.
Features of the Initial Phase
Visitors to the new phase encounter more than 1,300 slot machines alongside electronic gaming tables, traditional table games, and sports betting kiosks; a rewards desk handles player programs while a restaurant and bar area provide on-site dining and beverage service, creating an integrated space that supports extended stays and varied activities.
These elements combine to form a self-contained gaming and hospitality zone that builds directly on the temporary operation's foundation, yet offers greater scale and variety in one location; the layout connects gaming floors with food and beverage outlets so patrons move between sections without leaving the building.
Transition from Temporary Operations
The temporary facility served the Catawba Nation and local visitors for several years before this permanent structure opened, and its replacement reflects steady progress on the master plan that began years earlier; the shift allows for upgraded infrastructure and additional amenities that were not feasible in the interim setup.
Observers note that the permanent phase integrates modern design standards with the operational experience gained since 2021, while the temporary site handled initial demand and helped establish the market presence that now supports the expanded venue; this sequence demonstrates how phased development manages both construction timelines and ongoing service to guests.
Broader Project Timeline and Scope
The full resort project encompasses additional buildings beyond the current phase, including the 24-story hotel and expanded main casino floor that remain under construction; work that started in 2024 continues with the spring 2027 completion date guiding contractor schedules and resource allocation across the site.
According to project details shared through industry channels, the remaining phases will layer new hospitality and entertainment components onto the existing gaming core, creating a destination that grows incrementally rather than opening all at once; this approach keeps portions of the resort operational during later construction periods.
Employment Projections
Once complete the resort is expected to employ between 2,000 and 2,200 people across gaming, hospitality, food service, and support roles; the phase one opening already contributes to staffing needs while the larger headcount builds as subsequent sections come online through 2027.
Local workforce development programs have aligned with the project timeline to prepare candidates for positions that range from table game dealers to hotel management, and the staged openings allow for gradual hiring that matches facility growth; data from similar regional projects shows such employment levels can stabilize after the initial ramp-up period.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
By May 2026 construction crews will focus on the hotel tower and main casino floor integration, advancing the resort toward its spring 2027 finish while the current phase maintains daily operations; this midpoint allows for adjustments based on early performance data from the opened section.
Project managers coordinate supply chains and permitting steps to keep the schedule on track, and updates shared with stakeholders highlight progress on vertical construction that will define the resort's skyline presence; the approach keeps momentum steady across multiple years of work.
Conclusion
The phase one opening of Two Kings Casino Resort represents a concrete step in the Catawba Nation's long-term development strategy for Kings Mountain, delivering expanded gaming and amenities now while the balance of the 1 to 1.25 billion dollar project moves forward; the timeline to spring 2027 and the projected employment range provide clear benchmarks for tracking future milestones. Additional details appear in coverage from World Casino Directory and related industry reports that document each stage of the build.