A major casino project in Cleveland County is moving forward as construction continues on the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort. With a total investment of $1 billion, the resort stands out as one of the largest private developments in the region’s history.
Located about 35 miles west of Charlotte and just five miles from the South Carolina border, the new facility is being developed by the Catawba Indian Nation. The permanent resort will open in two phases. The first, called the Introductory Casino, is expected to launch in spring 2026. The full resort, featuring a hotel, expanded gaming floor, and multiple restaurants, is scheduled to open in 2027.
The temporary casino, which began operating in 2021, will be replaced by the new facility. That space currently features over 1,100 slot machines and 14 live table games. The Introductory Casino will include 1,350 machines, 20 table games, a bar, and a small restaurant. Upon completion, the resort will feature 4,300 gaming machines, 100 table games, a 24-story hotel tower with 385 rooms, 11 dining options, and 11 bars.
This steady growth in brick-and-mortar gaming doesn’t change the fact that North Carolina’s online gaming options are still restricted. While North Carolina has legalized in-person sports betting, online casino gambling remains unregulated. Due to this, many residents who want access to online slots and table games, outside of traditional tribal casinos, often turn to offshore sites. These websites have gained popularity by helping users play quickly and safely, especially in states where local options are limited (source: fastwithdrawal.casino).
In contrast to the uncertainty of online play, the new Kings Mountain resort will operate under strict state and tribal regulations, offering visitors a secure and monitored gaming experience. The resort is also expected to have a significant economic impact. The Catawba Nation aims to hire 2,200 team members, along with thousands of construction jobs throughout the building process. Many of these new positions will support operations in hospitality, gaming, food service, and security.
The project’s architecture is being led by SOSHNY Design, a firm known for its work on major casino properties, including the $320 million Southland Casino Hotel in West Memphis, Arkansas.
Catawba Nation Chief Brian Harris described the casino as “an economic game changer” for its citizens. He added that the project showcases their tribe’s resilience and commitment to self-sufficiency, noting that they’re doing it for future generations.
To support the growing infrastructure needs around the casino, the Catawba Nation has already paid for improvements like expanding the Dixon School Road Bridge over I-85 and installing new sewer lines in the area.
Local officials, including Kings Mountain City Manager Todd Carpenter, say they expect a boost in nearby development once the resort opens. Plans for additional hotels, including a boutique hotel, restaurants, and retail spaces, are already in the works.
With construction on schedule and public support growing, the Two Kings Casino Resort is positioned to become a major tourism and economic anchor for western North Carolina in the years ahead.
