In a significant development for the gaming landscape in North Carolina, Phase Two of the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain is nearing completion.
This milestone signifies the progression of one of the region's most ambitious entertainment ventures, promising an array of enhanced attractions and amenities to its visitors.
Since its temporary opening in 2021, the Catawba Two Kings Casino has been drawing people from around the area, eager for gaming and entertainment.
The imminent completion of Phase Two, projected for late March, is expected to significantly change the gaming experience. This phase will bring a permanent expansion, dramatically transforming the current temporary setup.
The news comes not long after Catawba Two Kings Casino struck a deal with an NFL team.
History of Tribal Casinos in North Carolina
Full-scale casino gambling arrived via federally recognized tribes under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) of 1988, which allows tribes to offer gaming on their lands if it aligns with state compacts.
- 1997 — The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians opened Harrah's Cherokee Casino in Cherokee (western NC, near the Great Smoky Mountains). This was the state's first major casino, initially offering video poker and slots (no live table games at first, due to compact limits negotiated with then-Gov. Jim Hunt). It expanded over time, adding live dealers in 2012 via an amended compact.
- 2015 — The same tribe opened Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino in Murphy (far western NC).
- 2020s — The Catawba Indian Nation (federally recognized in 1993 via a South Carolina settlement, but with ancestral ties to NC) developed the Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain (near Charlotte). A temporary facility opened in 2021, with the permanent resort under phased construction (as discussed in our previous conversation). This is the state's third tribal casino.
These three tribal casinos (operated by two tribes: the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Catawba Indian Nation) remain the only legal full-service casinos in North Carolina.
Catawba Two Kings Casino: Entering a New Era
The casino's new expansion will bring about many amenities, including:
- 1,300–1,350 slot machines
- 22 live table games
- Sports betting kiosks
Additional amenities for visitors include a bar, a restaurant seating about 68 guests, and a rewards desk.
Parking enhancements will include a new garage accommodating approximately 1,600 spaces.
By spring 2027, the resort plans to unveil a comprehensive 2-million-square-foot facility. This will feature a main casino floor spanning seven acres, with 3,000 slot machines and over 100 table games. Overlooking the casino floor, a 24-story hotel will offer 385 rooms for guests seeking extended stays.
Economic and Employment Benefits
The expansion of the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort is a driving force behind economic growth in Kings Mountain and Cleveland County.
The development phase has already created hundreds of construction jobs, and the fully completed resort is expected to provide approximately 2,200 permanent positions. It's not only enhancing the region's economic landscape, but it's also solidifying the casino's role as a key contributor to the local economy.
“This casino resort will be an economic game changer for Catawba citizens and a force to drive the economy of Cleveland County and the City of Kings Mountain,” Catawba Nation Chief Brian Harris said in a statement. “This project is a testament to our resilience, our commitment to self-sufficiency, and our determination to build a better future for ourselves and our future generations.”
Social and Sweepstakes Casinos in North Carolina Are Legal
While the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort stands as a central feature of North Carolina's casino offerings, those who live there can also legally participate in social and sweepstakes casinos.
These platforms provide alternative ways to enjoy casino-style gaming. Social casinos offer free-to-play experiences through earned credits, while sweepstakes casinos operate using virtual currency called "sweeps."
These sweeps can be converted into prizes or cash, presenting a unique twist on online gaming.
Just remember, if you do agree to play, always exhibit responsible gambling habits. This includes setting limits and never gambling more than you can afford to lose.
