Catawba Tribe Signals Multi-Site Casino Growth After Kings Mountain Opening

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the first phase of the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain, North Carolina took place around May 2026, and during that event Catawba Chief Brian Harris stated publicly that the tribe plans to develop two additional casinos at locations elsewhere in the state.

Officials identified potential sites before the announcement, and preliminary negotiations with local communities had already started, although specific locations and development timelines remained undisclosed at the time of the ceremony.

Event Details and Public Statement

During the ceremony Chief Harris positioned the Kings Mountain property as the initial step in a larger multi-casino approach for the Catawba Nation, and observers noted that the comments came while tribal leaders and state representatives marked the completion of the resort's opening phase.

Those in attendance heard the chief describe the new facility as a foundation rather than a standalone project, and the statement aligned with ongoing efforts by the tribe to expand gaming operations under existing federal and state frameworks.

Project Context in North Carolina

The Two Kings Casino Resort represents the first casino developed by the Catawba Nation inside North Carolina borders after years of planning and regulatory approvals, while the May 2026 opening marked the start of operations at the Kings Mountain location.

State records show that construction on the initial phase proceeded on schedule, and by early July 2026 the property had begun full operations with gaming floors, hotel rooms and dining venues available to visitors.

Local economic reports from the surrounding Cleveland County area indicated increased visitor traffic following the launch, and tribal officials have continued to coordinate with state agencies on compliance matters tied to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Expansion Strategy Details

Chief Harris told the audience that two additional sites had been selected internally, yet he provided no maps or addresses during the public remarks, and he emphasized that talks with host communities were still in early stages.

Those familiar with tribal gaming development note that such announcements often precede formal applications to state and federal regulators, and the Catawba approach mirrors patterns seen in other states where tribes have secured multiple operating locations over time.

Negotiations reportedly involve discussions about revenue sharing, infrastructure support and community impact studies, although no signed agreements had been released by July 2026.

Regulatory and Community Considerations

Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, tribes must negotiate compacts with state governments before opening Class III gaming facilities, and North Carolina maintains its own review process through the North Carolina Lottery Commission for any new tribal gaming proposals.

According to National Indian Gaming Commission guidelines, each new site would require separate environmental reviews, background checks and tribal-state compact amendments before construction could begin.

Local governments in potential host communities typically hold public hearings once formal proposals surface, and industry organizations such as the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States have tracked similar multi-site tribal strategies in other regions.

Timeline and Next Steps

No firm dates for the next two properties were shared at the ribbon-cutting event, yet tribal representatives indicated that site evaluations would continue through the remainder of 2026.

Those monitoring the process expect that any new applications would first appear before the National Indian Gaming Commission for review, and state officials have stated they stand ready to evaluate proposals once they are formally submitted.

By mid-July 2026 the Kings Mountain facility had already hosted several large events, which tribal leaders cited as evidence that demand exists for additional gaming venues across the state.

Conclusion

The announcement at the Kings Mountain ceremony established the Catawba Nation's intent to pursue a broader presence in North Carolina gaming, and the lack of disclosed locations leaves the next phases dependent on continued negotiations and regulatory approvals.

Observers will watch for updates from both the tribe and state agencies as the process moves forward, with any new sites subject to the same federal and state requirements that governed the first property.