The Catawba Nation has confirmed it intends to develop two additional casinos in North Carolinais expanding its footprint beyond its flagship Kings Mountain project, according to tribal leadership.
Chief Brian Harris made the announcement at a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of the first phase of the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort, a development valued at about $1.2 billion to $1.25 billion depending on estimates. The event attracted more than 500 tribal members, partners and guests.
“We have two more casinos to build in this state, and we will build them.” Harris said during the ceremony, as The Charlotte Observer.
Harris confirmed that potential locations for future properties have been identified, although he declined to provide further details.
"I can’t tell you that right now,” he said. "It’s all about negotiations. We have identified the location. We are currently conducting preliminary negotiations. And once the negotiations are fruitful, when we reach an agreement, we will announce it.”
Kings Mountain Resort Continues Large-Scale Expansion
The current development at Kings Mountain is located near Interstate 85, approximately 35 miles west of Charlotte, and represents the tribe’s largest project currently underway. The first operational phase, which opened in May, includes a fully functional casino operating around the clock.
The introductory gaming floor features 1,350 slot machines, 22 traditional table games, and 36 electronic table games. Additional amenities include a 68-seat restaurant, an 18-seat bar, a sports betting kiosk and a dedicated player rewards area.
The facility spans approximately 500,000 square feet in its initial configuration, including part of the multi-story parking structure.
Tribal leaders have outlined much larger construction plans in the coming years, with a target of full completion by spring 2027.
Once fully developed, the Kings Mountain property is expected to transform into a large regional gaming and hospitality complex. Plans call for about 4,300 slot machines, 100 live table games and expanded entertainment and dining offerings that include 11 restaurants and 11 bars.
A 24-story, 385-room hotel is also planned as part of the final phase, designed to connect directly to the casino via an interior lobby space with views overlooking Crowders Mountain and the surrounding state park area.
The expanded resort is projected to cover approximately 2.2 million square feet and is expected to support approximately 2,200 permanent jobs once fully operational.
Trent Troxel, who oversees casino operations, noted that employment at the property currently stands at about 800 workers, with further hiring expected as construction progresses.
From Temporary Casinos to Long Term Economic Strategies
Catawba gaming operations have grown rapidly since their earliest phases in 2021, when the tribe opened a temporary casino facility in a trailer. Since then, leadership has continued to expand operations, adding gaming machines, table games and new infrastructure.
During the ceremony, tribal leaders described the expansion as a broader economic strategy and not just a gambling venture.
"Some people see slot machines. That’s it, executives. I see scholarships. I see health care. I see homes,” said Haris.
He added that the development represents a long-term shift in autonomy for the tribe. “Now, we control our destiny,” he said.
While the Kings Mountain project remains the primary focus, the announcement of two additional casinos signals a broader expansion strategy in North Carolina. However, no location or timetable was disclosed, and leaders stressed that discussions were still ongoing.
Catawba Nation has not provided a schedule when an official announcement regarding the new property may be made, but has indicated that further updates will follow once the agreement is finalized.
