Published on: January 24, 2026, at 01:28h.
Updated on: January 24, 2026, at 01:28h.
- The Catawba Nation is pursuing state recognition in North Carolina.
- The tribe has managed a casino in North Carolina since 2021.
The Catawba Nation has formally requested state recognition in North Carolina, where they have run a temporary casino in Kings Mountain since July 2021.
In a 2026 perspective shared on Facebook on January 7, Catawba Nation Chief Brian Harris indicated that the tribe’s application for recognition as a tribal community in North Carolina has been finalized.
“Surprisingly, we had not applied for state recognition in North Carolina until now. So, in 2026, we’ve submitted all the necessary documentation. We have fulfilled all their requirements,” Harris stated.
The Catawba Nation’s application is currently under review, though the North Carolina Department of Administration’s American Indian Affairs lists the Catawba Nation as a recorded tribal community.
“The Catawba Nation is a federally recognized tribe based close to Rock Hill, South Carolina. This tribe’s service region encompasses North Carolina, and they operate a gaming facility in Kings Mountain,” the state tribal authority’s website states.
“The Catawba Nation fosters positive relationships with numerous tribes in North Carolina and supports various projects in the Carolinas through the Catawba Nation Foundation. The Catawba entered into a gaming compact with the State of North Carolina and has also applied for state recognition with the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs,” continued the state agency.
Opening the ‘Introductory’ Casino
Collaborating with gaming and hospitality giant Delaware North, the Catawba Nation commenced construction in June 2024 on a $1 billion permanent casino resort in Kings Mountain, situated adjacent to the temporary Two Kings Casino.
According to Harris’s outlook for 2026, the 80,000-square-foot “introductory” casino is projected to launch in “February or March.” The inaugural phase of the permanent facility will feature around 1,350 slot machines, 22 live dealer table games, and sports betting kiosks. This launch will also unveil a full-service restaurant and bar, a Lucky North Rewards desk, and parking for 800 vehicles.
Harris mentioned that the tribe plans to repurpose the modular trailers currently housing the temporary casino, which offers 1,000 slots and 14 table games.
Permanent Two Kings Casino Details
The next phase of the permanent casino will open along with the complete Two Kings Casino Resort. The final establishment is expected to house 4,300 slot machines, 100 table games, and a sportsbook.
Construction on the 24-story, 385-room hotel is also progressing. Alongside the casino, the resort will offer 11 dining venues and an underground parking facility with 2,700 spaces.
The Catawba Nation asserts that the construction of the casino resort has generated over 2,000 jobs in the local area. The grand opening is slated for 2027.
Under the Catawba’s Class III gaming compact with North Carolina, the tribe is required to share 6% of its gross gaming revenue from table games with the state until August 2027. This percentage will increase to 7% until August 2032 and rise to 8% thereafter.
Additionally, the tribe will pay the state $191,000 each year to assist with costs associated with regulating sports and horse wagering.
Lastly, the tribe is mandated to establish a foundation dedicated to benefitting the Catawba Nation, other recognized tribes, and the local community. The anticipated annual contribution from the tribe’s foundation is expected to reach $7.5 million once the entire resort becomes operational.