The Catawba Nation has confirmed it intends to develop two additional casinos in North Carolina, expanding its footprint beyond its flagship Kings Mountain project, according to tribal leadership.

Chief Brian Harris made the announcement during a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of the first phase of the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort, a development valued at roughly $1.2 billion to $1.25 billion depending on estimates. The event drew more than 500 tribal members, partners, and guests.

“We got two more casinos to build in this state, and goddamn we’re going to build them,” Harris said during the ceremony, as The Charlotte Observer.

Speaking afterward, Harris confirmed that potential locations for the future properties have already been identified, though he declined to provide further details.

“I can’t tell you that right now,” he said. “It’s all about negotiations. We’ve identified the locations. We’re in preliminary negotiations right now. And once those come to fruition, when we come to deal, we’ll make an announcement.”

Kings Mountain Resort Continues Large-Scale Expansion

The current development in Kings Mountain sits near Interstate 85, roughly 35 miles west of Charlotte, and represents the tribe’s largest ongoing project. The first operational phase, which opened in May, includes a fully functioning casino operating around the clock.

The introductory gaming floor features 1,350 slot machines, 22 traditional table games, and 36 electronic table games. Additional amenities include a 68-seat restaurant, an 18-seat bar, sports betting kiosks, and a dedicated player rewards area.

The facility spans roughly 500,000 square feet in its initial configuration, including portions of a multi-level parking structure.

Tribal leaders have outlined plans for a significantly larger buildout over the coming years, with full completion targeted for spring 2027.

Once fully developed, the Kings Mountain property is expected to transform into a major regional gaming and hospitality complex. Plans call for approximately 4,300 slot machines, 100 live table games, and a broader entertainment and dining offering that includes 11 restaurants and 11 bars.

A 24-story hotel with 385 rooms is also planned as part of the final phase, designed to connect directly to the casino via an interior lobby space with views overlooking Crowders Mountain and the surrounding state park region.

The expanded resort is projected to encompass roughly 2.2 million square feet and is expected to support about 2,200 permanent jobs once fully operational.

Trent Troxel, who oversees casino operations, noted that employment at the property currently stands at around 800 workers, with further hiring expected as construction progresses.

From Temporary Casino to Long-Term Economic Strategy

The Catawba gaming operation has evolved rapidly since its earliest phase in 2021, when the tribe opened a temporary casino facility in trailers. Since then, leadership has steadily expanded operations, adding new gaming machines, table games, and infrastructure.

During the ceremony, tribal leadership framed the expansion as a broader economic strategy rather than simply a gaming venture.

“Some people see slot machines. I see, executives. I see scholarships. I see health care. I see homes,” Harris said.

He added that the developments represent a shift in long-term autonomy for the tribe. “Now, we’re in control of our destiny,” he said.

While the Kings Mountain project remains the immediate focus, the announcement of two additional casinos signals a broader expansion strategy across North Carolina. However, no locations or timelines have been disclosed, with leadership emphasizing that discussions remain ongoing.

The Catawba Nation has not provided a schedule for when formal announcements regarding the new properties may be made, but has indicated that further updates will follow once agreements are finalized.