Catawba Nation Moves Forward with Plans for Two New Casino Sites Across North Carolina
Tribal Chief Brian Harris shared details on upcoming casino developments during a ribbon-cutting event that marked the debut of the initial gaming floor at the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain, and the statement came as the first phase welcomed visitors with 1,350 slots along with table games and supporting amenities in May 2026.
The $1.2 to $1.25 billion project continues construction toward full completion targeted for spring 2027, while the new announcements signal broader ambitions that extend the tribe's footprint beyond the current Kings Mountain location near Charlotte.
Announcement Context and Timing
Observers note the ribbon-cutting ceremony served as the setting where Chief Harris outlined intentions to pursue two additional casino projects within North Carolina, and negotiations for potential locations have already begun though specific sites and development timelines remain undisclosed at this stage.
Those following the proceedings point out that the initial gaming floor opening provided a natural platform for the expansion update, connecting ongoing work at Kings Mountain with forward-looking steps that the Catawba Nation has identified as priorities moving into the second half of 2026.
Details of the Kings Mountain Development
Construction at the flagship site reached a milestone in May 2026 when the partial opening delivered 1,350 slots, table games, and other amenities to the public, and the remaining phases continue on schedule with a target date of spring 2027 for complete facilities.
Project costs fall in the range of $1.2 to $1.25 billion, covering all elements from the current gaming operations through final build-out, and progress reports indicate steady advancement without reported delays as of July 2026.
Visitors to the partial facility encounter a functional gaming environment that previews the full resort experience once construction wraps, and the phased approach allows operations to begin while crews finalize additional structures and features.
Expansion Plans Beyond Kings Mountain
Chief Harris confirmed that potential locations for the two new projects have been identified, and discussions with relevant parties are underway to advance those sites, although no further specifics on cities, counties, or projected opening dates were released during the ceremony.
The expansion strategy builds directly on the momentum from the Kings Mountain launch, positioning the Catawba Nation to increase its presence across North Carolina through additional properties that align with the same operational standards established at the flagship resort.
According to statements from the event, the tribe views these new projects as logical next steps that leverage experience gained during the current development, and the process now shifts toward formalizing agreements that will determine exact placement and sequencing.
Current Status and Next Steps
As of July 2026 the Kings Mountain casino operates its initial floor while crews push toward the spring 2027 deadline, and parallel efforts focus on securing details for the two announced projects through ongoing negotiations.
Updates on location selections or timelines will likely follow as talks progress, and the tribe has indicated readiness to share more information once agreements reach appropriate milestones.
Conclusion
The ribbon-cutting event in May 2026 therefore marked both an operational beginning for the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort and the public introduction of plans for two further North Carolina locations, with the $1.2 to $1.25 billion Kings Mountain investment continuing on schedule toward spring 2027 completion.
Negotiations for the additional sites remain active, and observers will track developments as the Catawba Nation advances its statewide expansion framework based on the details shared by Chief Brian Harris. Further coverage of the announcement and related project updates appear in industry reporting from the same period.