Federally recognised Native American tribe Catawba Nation has announced plans to develop two more North Carolina casinos following the opening of its new $1.2 billion Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain, signalling further expansion of the state’s growing tribal gaming sector.
The announcement was made by Catawba Nation Chief Brian Harris during celebrations marking the launch of the new casino resort, located around 50 kilometres west of Charlotte.
According to reporting by CasinoBeats, Harris confirmed the tribe has already identified sites for two future casino developments but said negotiations remain ongoing and the locations cannot yet be disclosed.
Two more North Carolina casino projects under negotiation
Speaking to local media, Harris explained that discussions with stakeholders and potential partners are still at an early stage. “It’s all about negotiations,” he said, as reported by CasinoBeats. “We’ve identified the locations. We’re in preliminary negotiations right now. And once those come to fruition, when we come to deal, we’ll make an announcement.”
“It’s all about negotiations,” he said, as reported by CasinoBeats. “We’ve identified the locations. We’re in preliminary negotiations right now. And once those come to fruition, when we come to deal, we’ll make an announcement.”
The announcement comes as tribal gaming operators across the United States continue to invest in new land-based casino developments despite broader concerns about slowing growth in some mature gaming markets. While the Catawba Nation continues to expand its land-based casino footprint, players interested in regulated online gaming options can also explore the best casinos on mobile to compare licensed platforms, mobile-friendly games, and responsible gambling resources.
Two Kings Casino Resort remains under development
Although officially launched, construction of the Two Kings Casino Resort is continuing, with full completion expected by spring 2027. Once finished, the property will feature approximately 100 table games, 4,300 slot machines and a 24-storey hotel. Plans also include multiple restaurants, bars and entertainment facilities. Current operations are taking place within a partially completed facility offering 22 table games, 1,350 slot machines, food outlets and bar amenities.
The Catawba Nation has said the completed resort will create around 2,200 permanent jobs and become a major economic driver for Kings Mountain and the wider region. The development has emerged as one of the largest casino investment projects in North Carolina and represents a significant expansion of the state’s tribal gaming industry.
Costs rise as project value reaches $1.2 billion
The final cost of the Two Kings Casino Resort has increased significantly during development. Earlier projections in 2024 estimated the project would cost around $700 million. However, the latest figures place total investment at approximately $1.2 billion.
The rising cost reflects the scale of the development, which includes gaming facilities, hotel accommodation, hospitality venues and supporting infrastructure. Despite the increased investment, the tribe has maintained that the project remains a cornerstone of its long-term economic strategy.
Legal disputes continue around casino development
The expansion of the Catawba Nation’s casino operations has not been without controversy. The tribe previously became involved in a legal dispute with former development partner SkyBoat while operating a temporary casino facility at the Kings Mountain site.
In a separate ongoing case, former land partner Kings Mountain Land Development Partners filed legal action against the tribe in 2024, alleging trespass and property damage.
The dispute remains before the courts, with the North Carolina Court of Appeals expected to determine whether the tribe can invoke sovereign immunity against some of the claims.
According to court proceedings, lawyers representing the developer have alleged the tribe acted improperly during the development of the casino site. The tribe has continued to contest those claims.
Tribal gaming investment continues across the United States
The Catawba Nation’s expansion plans reflect broader investment trends across the US tribal gaming sector. While some major gaming destinations have reported slower growth, tribal operators continue to invest in new casino projects, property upgrades and tourism infrastructure.
In Arizona, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe is preparing to open its third casino later this year. Meanwhile, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa recently unveiled plans for a multimillion-dollar renovation programme across its Michigan casino portfolio.
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