The Catawba Indian Nation is set to expand its gaming footprint in North Carolina, as announced by Chief Brian Harris during the grand opening of the first phase of the $1.2 billion Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort.

Addressing around 500 tribal members and guests at the ribbon-cutting event, Harris reiterated the tribe’s determination to enhance its gaming ventures throughout the state, according to The Charlotte Observer.

“We have plans for two additional casinos in this state, and we are absolutely going to make that happen,” he stated. While the tribe has pinpointed potential locations, Harris refrained from disclosing these sites due to ongoing discussions.

“I can’t disclose that information just yet,” Harris informed The Charlotte Observer following the ceremony. “We are in the initial negotiation stages and will announce once we finalize the details.”

The newly launched introductory casino, conveniently located off Interstate 85 at Exit 5 and approximately 35 miles west of Charlotte, boasts 1,350 slot machines, 36 electronic table games, 22 traditional table games, a 68-seat restaurant, an 18-seat bar, sports betting kiosks, and a player rewards desk. The casino is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The complete Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort is projected to be finalized by spring 2027. Upon completion, the resort will include 4,300 slot machines, 100 live table games, 11 tribally owned restaurants, 11 bars, and a 24-story hotel featuring 385 guest rooms.

Tribal representatives indicated that the finished resort is anticipated to generate around 2,200 permanent jobs, marking it as one of the most significant economic development endeavors in the area.

A crowd gathered along Kings Mountain Boulevard to celebrate the opening of the initial phase of the $1.25 billion Catawba Two Kings Casino. This new facility replaces the temporary casino that commenced operations on the same site in July 2021.