A plethora of attendees gathered along Kings Mountain Boulevard on Wednesday morning to celebrate the launch of the inaugural phase of the $1.25 billion Catawba Two Kings Casino in North Carolina.

Situated off Interstate 85 at Exit 5, approximately 35 miles west of Charlotte, the venue officially opened its preliminary gaming space at 10 a.m., according to The Charlotte Observer. Enthusiastic crowds began gathering several hours beforehand, excited to be among the first to explore the new establishment.

The initial phase of the casino includes 1,350 slot machines, 36 electronic table games, and 22 traditional table games, alongside a 68-seat dining establishment, an 18-seat bar, sports betting kiosks, and a player rewards center.

This state-of-the-art facility is set to replace the temporary casino that first opened on the same grounds in July 2021. Compared to its predecessor, the enhanced casino features an extra 250 slot machines and eight new table games. Additionally, two levels of parking opened to guests on Wednesday.

Trent Troxel, Vice President of the Catawba Nation Gaming Authority, stated that the complete resort project is on track for a spring 2027 completion. Upon completion, the permanent casino resort will cover approximately 2 million square feet and feature a 24-story hotel with 385 rooms, 4,300 slot machines, and 100 table games.

The finished resort will also host 11 dining options, including a steakhouse, Italian eatery, marketplace, café, and a grab-and-go outlet. Other amenities will comprise a players’ lounge, 11 bars, as well as 2,700 underground parking spots and 800 above-ground spots.

Construction of the permanent resort commenced after a groundbreaking event in June 2024. In October 2025, crews placed the last structural beam atop the casino during a topping-off ceremony.

Troxel emphasized that this initiative is revitalizing job opportunities in the area, which has faced a downturn due to the decline of the textile industry.

Tribal leaders report that the development has already created numerous construction jobs and is projected to employ approximately 2,200 local residents and members of the Catawba Nation upon its completion.