Catawba Nation Outlines Expansion With Two Additional North Carolina Casino Sites
The Catawba Nation marked the opening of the first phase at its Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain with a clear statement on future growth, and Chief Brian Harris told attendees that the tribe plans to develop two more casinos in North Carolina as part of an ongoing expansion strategy beyond the current flagship project.
During the celebration, which highlighted progress on the 1.2 to 1.25 billion dollar resort located near Charlotte, the chief emphasized the tribe's commitment to additional facilities, and observers note that the announcement aligns with the nation's broader approach to gaming development within the state.
Project Timeline and Current Status
The resort's initial phase has opened to the public while construction continues on the permanent facility, which carries a target completion date in spring 2027, and this phased approach allows the Catawba Nation to begin operations and gather revenue that supports subsequent stages of the overall development plan.
Site selection for the two additional casinos has already taken place according to tribal statements, yet specific locations remain under discussion as negotiations with state and local partners continue, and this measured pace reflects the tribe's experience with regulatory processes that govern gaming expansions on and off tribal lands.
Tribal Context and Scale of Operations
The Catawba Nation consists of approximately 4,000 members, and its leadership has positioned gaming as a central component of economic initiatives that extend beyond the Kings Mountain location, while the current resort project represents the most substantial single investment the tribe has undertaken to date.
Revenue from the operating first phase is expected to contribute directly to the funding of the two planned facilities, and this self-reinforcing model has been described in tribal communications as essential for maintaining momentum through 2027 and beyond.
Statements From Leadership
Chief Brian Harris delivered the expansion message in direct terms during the event, stating that the tribe has two more casinos to build in the state and intends to proceed with construction, and this public commitment was framed as part of the celebration rather than a separate policy announcement.
Those attending the opening noted that the chief's remarks underscored a long-term vision that extends past the 2027 permanent resort milestone, and the tribe continues to engage with potential partners on regulatory approvals and infrastructure requirements for the additional sites.
Regulatory and Development Process
North Carolina gaming regulations require coordination between tribal nations and state authorities for off-reservation casino developments, and the Catawba Nation has navigated these requirements successfully for the Kings Mountain project while preparing similar frameworks for the two new locations, according to Charlotte Observer reporting.
Negotiations for further developments remain active, and tribal officials have indicated that the identified sites will move forward once necessary agreements and permits are secured, whereas the permanent phase of the current resort is already on schedule for its spring 2027 opening.
Economic Considerations
The 1.2 to 1.25 billion dollar investment at Kings Mountain has already generated construction employment and operational positions, and the planned additional casinos are projected to extend these benefits to other regions of the state once development begins in earnest.
Observers familiar with tribal gaming economics point out that phased openings allow revenue streams to support larger capital needs, and the Catawba Nation appears to be applying this approach across its multi-site strategy within North Carolina.
Conclusion
The announcement during the first phase celebration confirms the Catawba Nation's intention to pursue two additional casino projects in the state while the Kings Mountain resort advances toward its 2027 completion target, and the combination of identified sites, ongoing negotiations, and committed leadership provides a clear roadmap for the tribe's continued presence in North Carolina gaming. The 4,000-member nation has established a foundation through the current resort that supports further expansion, and updates on the additional locations are expected as regulatory processes advance.