(AsiaGameHub) – The Catawba Tribe of North Carolina has unveiled a portion of its new $1 billion Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain, located roughly 50 kilometers from Charlotte.
The tribe and its collaborators note that development is still ongoing, and the section opened to the public on May 20 is only the “introductory phase” of the project.
Per the Shelby Star, work continues on an expanded casino area and a 24-story, 385-room hotel.
This “introductory” casino replaces a temporary structure complex the tribe launched on a 64,750-square-meter parcel of sovereign land in July 2021.
The temporary setup housed over 1,000 slot machines and more than a dozen table games. However, dining options at this facility were limited, consisting of an enclosed food truck and a cafe counter.
The new complex features 1,350 slot machines, 36 electronic table games, and 22 traditional table games.
It also includes a 68-seat restaurant, an 18-seat bar, sports betting kiosks, a two-level parking lot, and a player rewards desk.
North Carolina Casino: Full Launch Set for Spring 2027
Construction on Two Kings began in June 2024. The tribe and project developer Delaware North say they are targeting a full opening in spring 2027.
Once completed, the casino complex will span approximately 185,800 square meters. The gaming space will include 4,300 slot machines and 100 table games.
The developers plan to build 11 restaurants, including a steakhouse, a cafe, and an Italian eatery.
They will also construct a shopping center and 3,500 parking spaces.
The tribe states the project has created hundreds of construction jobs, and asserts that Two Kings will eventually employ around 2,200 residents and Catawba Nation citizens.
Representatives claim the casino will have “a significant economic impact” on areas like Kings Mountain and Cleveland County.
This opening comes just months after the Catawba Tribe launched an online casino—also named Two Kings—in partnership with Nevada-based social gaming developer Ruby Seven Studios.
Are NC Sports Betting Problems Emerging?
Anti-gambling advocates say problem betting is on the rise in North Carolina. In addition to approving the new casino, the state legalized sports betting in early 2024.
In February this year, the head of the Addiction Professionals of North Carolina reported that the state’s problem gambling helpline saw a 79% increase in calls just six months after sports betting launched in the Tar Heel State.
“[There has been] an increase in people reaching out for help, many of them first-time gamblers drawn in by sports betting,” the official stated.
Ahead of its two-year legalization anniversary, North Carolina had already amassed over $12 billion in total betting handle.
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