The landscape of casinos in North Carolina has changed.
The Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort officially opened its Phase 1 introductory casino in Kings Mountain. This highly anticipated launch marks a major step forward for gaming in "The Tarheel State," bringing a new option closer to the Charlotte metro area.
Located just off I-85 at Exit 5, about 35 miles west of Charlotte, the new casino is already drawing large crowds and attention as it begins operations ahead of its full resort debut in 2027.
This also comes at a controversial time for casinos in North Carolina. A defamation lawsuit was recently filed by former county commissioner T. Craig Travis against some of his political adversaries, and a businessman's recent criticism of the North Carolina casino industry. On top of that, one of the state's other tribal casinos recently started Phase 2 of a major renovation and agreed to a deal with an NFL team.
So, yes, a lot has been happening,
Inside the New Catawba Two Kings Casino
The Phase 1 opening replaces the temporary casino that has been operating since 2021. While the full resort is still under construction, the new facility offers a clear upgrade in both size and experience.
Current features include:
- 1,350 slot machines, with new and relocated games
- 22 table games and electronic table games
- Sports betting kiosks
- A 68-seat restaurant and 18-seat bar
- Lucky North Rewards player program
- Access to a new multi-level parking garage
The casino has already paid out more than $1 billion in jackpots since its earlier temporary phase, highlighting its strong early performance and popularity.
A Major Resort Still to Come
While Phase 1 is now open, the full Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort is expected to launch in spring 2027. Once complete, it will transform the property into a large-scale entertainment destination.
Planned additions include:
- A 24-story hotel with 385 rooms
- Expanded gaming with around 4,300 slots and 100 table games
- 11 dining venues, including a steakhouse and Italian restaurant
- 11 bars and expanded nightlife options
- Over 3,500 parking spaces
- This expansion could position it as one of the largest casinos in North Carolina.
Other Casinos in North Carolina
In addition to Catawba Two Kings Casino, there are two other established casinos in North Carolina, both operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, located in the Smoky Mountains, is the largest and most developed option. It features over 3,000 slot machines, more than 160 table games, and a hotel with over 1,800 rooms, along with a spa, pool, and entertainment venues.
Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel in Murphy offers a smaller, more regional experience. It includes around 1,300 slot machines, over 60 table games, and a hotel with more than 300 rooms.
How Catawba Two Kings Stands Out
What makes Catawba Two Kings Casino unique among casinos in North Carolina is its location and growth potential.
Unlike the Cherokee casinos, which are set in mountain destinations, Two Kings is:
- Close to Charlotte and the surrounding urban areas
- Easily accessible via I-85
- Ideal for day trips and shorter visits
Although it currently lacks a hotel, its future plans aim to compete directly with the larger Cherokee resort in both scale and modern design.
Economic Impact and Growth
The Catawba Two Kings project represents a major investment of $1 to $1.25 billion and is expected to significantly impact the local economy.
Projected benefits include:
- 2,000 to 2,200 permanent jobs once fully operational
- Continued construction employment through 2027
- Increased tourism and spending at nearby businesses
It also marks an important milestone for the Catawba Nation and the Catawba Nation Gaming Authority, bringing gaming operations to their ancestral land after years of development and legal efforts.
The Future of Casinos in North Carolina
With the opening of Catawba Two Kings Casino’s first phase, casinos in North Carolina are entering a new era. While Harrah’s Cherokee remains the top full-service resort today, the addition of a modern, conveniently located competitor is already reshaping the market.
As the full resort opens in 2027, visitors can expect even more options, more competition, and a stronger overall gaming experience across the state.
