Catawba Nation Moves Forward with Identified Sites for Two New North Carolina Casinos

The Catawba Nation has identified locations for two additional casinos in North Carolina after completing the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the first phase of its Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain, and tribal officials have confirmed that construction on those sites forms part of a broader long-term growth plan. Tribal Chief Brian Harris described the expansion as the beginning of a larger strategy that will extend beyond teh current project while the permanent facility maintains its scheduled spring 2027 opening date. Observers note that the $1.2 to $1.25 billion investment at Kings Mountain represents the tribe's first major casino development inside North Carolina borders, and the decision to secure sites for two more properties signals continued momentum in the state's gaming sector. The announcement follows several years of planning and regulatory steps that cleared the way for the Kings Mountain resort, which already includes temporary gaming operations now open to the public.

Project Timeline and Current Status

Construction crews have completed the initial phase at the Kings Mountain location, allowing the temporary casino to begin operations while work continues on the full-scale resort; the permanent structure is expected to open in spring 2027, bringing additional hotel rooms, expanded gaming floors, and multiple dining and entertainment venues. Data from project updates indicate that the temporary facility has already drawn steady visitor traffic from surrounding counties and from across the state line in South Carolina, where the Catawba Nation previously operated gaming facilities.

State records show that the Kings Mountain site received all required permits and approvals before the ribbon-cutting took place, and tribal representatives have worked closely with local officials in Cleveland County to coordinate infrastructure improvements that support both the casino and surrounding communities. The tribe has stated that the two additional casinos will follow similar development processes, though specific timelines for those properties remain under review pending final site preparations and regulatory reviews.

Details on Expansion Strategy

Chief Brian Harris emphasized that the new sites represent more than isolated projects; they form the foundation of a multi-property network designed to strengthen the tribe's economic position across North Carolina. According to statements released after the ceremony, the Catawba Nation intends to move ahead with development at both locations once feasibility studies and community consultations conclude.

Industry reports compiled by analysts at PlayUSA highlight that the Catawba Nation's approach mirrors patterns seen in other tribal gaming expansions, where an initial flagship property serves as the anchor for subsequent developments in nearby markets. The two new sites have already been selected, yet officials have not released their exact locations while negotiations with local governments and landowners continue. This measured pace allows the tribe to align each project with state gaming regulations and local zoning requirements before breaking ground.

Economic Context and Regulatory Framework

North Carolina's gaming landscape has evolved over the past decade as tribal nations and commercial operators have pursued new opportunities under existing compact agreements and state statutes. The Catawba Nation's projects fall under these established frameworks, which require coordination between tribal leadership, state regulators, and county governments. Figures released by the North Carolina Department of Revenue show steady growth in gaming-related tax collections in recent years, providing context for why additional facilities continue to attract interest from both tribes and investors.

Those who have followed the Kings Mountain development point out that the tribe's experience operating the temporary facility has informed planning for the permanent resort and the two future properties. Infrastructure upgrades completed during the first phase, including road improvements and utility expansions, are expected to benefit the larger project and any subsequent developments in the region. The Catawba Nation has also indicated that workforce training programs launched for the Kings Mountain site will expand to support staffing needs at the additional locations once construction begins.

Looking Ahead to 2027 and Beyond

With the permanent Kings Mountain resort targeted for spring 2027, the Catawba Nation continues to advance its identified sites for teh two additional casinos as part of the same overall expansion strategy. Updates shared in July 2026 confirmed that design work and permitting discussions remain active, and tribal leadership has reiterated its commitment to completing all three projects according to the timelines established during the initial announcement phase.

Conclusion

The Catawba Nation's announcement marks a clear next step in its North Carolina gaming presence, building directly on the completed ribbon-cutting at Kings Mountain and the identified sites for two further properties. As the permanent resort moves toward its 2027 opening and planning for the additional casinos proceeds, the tribe's expansion strategy continues to unfold within the state's established regulatory structure. Additional details on construction schedules and site-specific plans are expected as reviews advance in the coming months.