Catawba Nation Marks Opening of Two Kings Casino First Phase in Kings Mountain

The Catawba Nation opened the first phase of its Catawba 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. The new venue features 1,350 slot machines along with 22 traditional table games, 36 electronic table games, a restaurant and bar, sports betting kiosks, and dedicated parking facilities, while thousands of visitors arrived on opening day to explore the space. Construction forms part of a larger $1 billion project that will eventually span 2 million square feet once complete. The tribe has hired about 600 people so far for operations at this stage, adn plans call for more than 2,000 jobs when the full resort including a 385-room hotel opens in spring 2027.

Details of the Introductory Casino Phase

Visitors encountered a range of gaming options right away upon entry, and the layout incorporated both traditional and electronic formats to accommodate different preferences. Slot machines lined main areas while table games occupied central sections, and electronic variants sat nearby for quicker play sessions. A restaurant and bar provided dining choices throughout the day, whereas sports betting kiosks allowed quick wagers on events without leaving the floor.

Parking facilities handled the influx smoothly, and staff managed crowds that reached thousands on the first day. This phase serves as an interim step before the larger expansion adds hotel rooms and additional amenities, yet it already delivers core gaming and hospitality services to the region near Charlotte.

Employment and Economic Steps Forward

The Catawba Nation has brought on approximately 600 employees to run the initial casino operations, and these hires cover roles from gaming floor supervision to food service and guest support. Projections indicate the total workforce will exceed 2,000 positions once the full resort launches in 2027, which will include hotel staffing and expanded entertainment offerings. And this growth connects directly to the resort's scale, since the 2-million-square-foot complex will house the 385-room hotel plus further gaming and dining spaces. Observers note that such hiring patterns reflect standard development timelines for tribal gaming projects of this size, where early phases establish core teams before full staffing ramps up.

Transition from Temporary Facility

The temporary casino that ran since 2021 provided a foundation during planning and construction periods, and its replacement with this permanent first phase marks a clear progression toward the complete vision. Guests who visited the earlier site found familiar elements carried over, while new features like expanded table game counts and integrated sports betting kiosks added variety.

According to reports from local coverage, the shift occurred without major disruptions, and operations continued seamlessly into the May 2026 opening. The move aligns with broader timelines for the overall resort build, which has remained on track despite the phased approach.

Visitor Experience on Opening Day

Thousands gathered for the debut, and many explored the slot areas first before moving to table games or placing bets at the kiosks. Staff guided newcomers through the layout, while the restaurant and bar areas saw steady traffic from morning through evening. This turnout demonstrated immediate interest in the venue, which sits conveniently near Charlotte and draws from both local and regional audiences.

What's notable here is how the introductory setup balances gaming density with supporting services, since ample parking and on-site dining reduce the need for external trips during a visit. Data from the event shows consistent foot traffic across all offered amenities without reported bottlenecks.

Looking Ahead to Full Resort Completion

The spring 2027 target for the 385-room hotel and remaining facilities will expand the current footprint significantly, and the tribe continues preparations through ongoing construction and recruitment. Once finished the 2-million-square-foot property will offer integrated lodging alongside the established gaming options, creating a self-contained destination.

Yet the current phase already operates independently, and it provides revenue streams that support further development. Those involved in the project have maintained focus on meeting the stated timelines while scaling employment to match growing capacity needs.

Conclusion

The May 20, 2026, opening of the Catawba Two Kings Casino first phase represents a key milestone for the Catawba Nation's resort plans in Kings Mountain. With its array of 1,350 slots, 22 traditional tables, 36 electronic games, dining options, sports betting, and parking now active, the venue welcomed thousands on debut day while employing around 600 staff members to date. Full completion in spring 2027 will add the 385-room hotel and push total jobs past 2,000 within the expansive 2-million-square-foot complex, all as part of the $1 billion investment. Additional details appear in coverage from WBTV.