Catawba Nation Plans Two More North Carolina Casinos

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-07-02

The Catawba Nation is making big moves in the casino world. The tribe just confirmed it plans to build two more casinos in North Carolina, adding to its flagship project in Kings Mountain. Chief Brian Harris shared the news during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the first phase of the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort, a massive development worth between $1.2 billion and $1.25 billion. Over 500 tribal members, partners, and guests showed up to celebrate. ### What's Happening with the Two New Casinos? Chief Harris didn't hold back. "We got two more casinos coming," he said at the event. That's a big deal because it shows the tribe is serious about growing its presence in the state. The new projects will likely be in different parts of North Carolina, though exact locations haven't been announced yet. The goal is to create more jobs and revenue for the tribe, while also giving locals more entertainment options. ### The Kings Mountain Project: A Quick Look The Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain is already making waves. It's a huge complex with a hotel, gaming floor, restaurants, and more. The first phase just opened, and it's already drawing crowds. Once fully built, it'll be one of the largest casinos in the region. Think of it as a destination where people can come for a weekend getaway, not just a quick gamble. ### Why This Matters for the Catawba Nation For the Catawba Nation, this expansion is about more than just money. It's about sovereignty and self-reliance. Casinos can fund education, healthcare, and infrastructure for tribal communities. Plus, they create jobs—lots of them. The Kings Mountain project alone is expected to employ thousands of people once it's fully operational. The new casinos will likely do the same. ### What to Expect from the New Projects Here are a few things we know so far: - **Timeline:** No official dates yet, but construction could start within a few years. - **Locations:** Likely in underserved areas that could use an economic boost. - **Features:** Expect similar amenities to Kings Mountain—hotels, gaming, dining, and entertainment. - **Impact:** More jobs, more tourism, and more revenue for the tribe. ### Challenges Ahead Building casinos isn't easy. There are always hurdles, from regulatory approvals to community opposition. The Catawba Nation has faced its share of legal battles over the Kings Mountain project, but it's pushed through. The new casinos will likely face similar challenges, but the tribe seems ready to tackle them. ### The Bigger Picture This expansion fits a larger trend. Native American tribes across the U.S. are using casinos to build economic independence. For the Catawba Nation, it's a way to secure a stronger future. The two new casinos could transform local economies, bringing in visitors from all over the Southeast. And with North Carolina's growing population, the demand for entertainment is only going up. ### What's Next? Keep an eye on announcements from the tribe. They'll share more details as plans solidify. For now, the message is clear: the Catawba Nation is all in on gaming. If you're in the industry, this is a trend worth watching. And if you're just curious, it's a story of resilience and ambition that's hard to ignore. In short, the Catawba Nation isn't stopping with Kings Mountain. Two more casinos are on the way, and they could reshape the landscape of North Carolina gaming. Stay tuned for updates.