Catawba Nation Opens Phase One of Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain

The Catawba Nation held its ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 1, 2026, to mark the Phase One opening of the Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, and the event drew attention because construction on the permanent facility had already wrapped up earlier phases while visitors had been using parts of the new space since May 2026.

Observers note that the full $1.25 billion resort project includes a 24-story hotel slated for completion in spring 2027, and the current phase already provides employment for 800 people with plans to scale that number to 2,300 once the entire development reaches full operation.

Background on the Development Timeline

Construction progressed steadily after initial groundwork, and the Phase One facilities opened to the public well before the July ceremony because contractors completed core gaming areas and support infrastructure ahead of schedule, which allowed revenue generation to begin in May while finishing touches continued on surrounding amenities.

Data from project updates shows the casino currently channels portions of its earnings into tribal community grants, and those funds support education, health services, and cultural preservation programs that benefit Catawba Nation members across the region.

Employment and Economic Impact

The 800 current positions cover roles in gaming operations, hospitality, security, and maintenance, while the projected growth to 2,300 jobs will incorporate additional hotel staff, entertainment personnel, and expanded food and beverage teams once the 24-story tower opens in 2027.

Local suppliers adn contractors have already benefited from material purchases and service contracts during the build-out, and the scaling workforce continues to draw from surrounding communities in Cleveland County and beyond.

Current Operations and Future Phases

Since May 2026 visitors have accessed slot machines, table games, and dining options within the completed sections, and the July 1 ribbon cutting served as a formal milestone that highlighted ongoing construction on the hotel tower and additional entertainment venues still under development.

The project timeline remains on track for spring 2027 completion, and August 2026 activities include final interior work on the hotel along with landscaping around the expanded casino floor, which keeps crews active while the facility maintains daily operations for guests.

Revenue from the operating casino flows directly into community grant programs, and those allocations have already funded several initiatives that address housing improvements and youth education within the Catawba Nation.

Community and Regional Context

Kings Mountain city officials coordinated with tribal representatives throughout the permitting and construction process, and the partnership produced infrastructure upgrades that serve both the casino site and nearby residential areas.

According to reporting from the Post and Courier, the Phase One opening reflects years of planning that began with land acquisition and regulatory approvals, and the development continues to represent one of the largest private investments in the western Piedmont region.

Additional partnerships with state agencies ensure compliance with gaming regulations, and those oversight mechanisms remain active as the project moves toward full build-out in 2027.

Conclusion

The July 1, 2026, ceremony marked a clear transition point for the Two Kings Casino, and the combination of immediate employment gains, community grant funding, and the scheduled hotel completion creates a multi-year trajectory that observers continue to track through 2027 and beyond.