Catawba Nation Advances Plans for Two New Casino Projects in North Carolina
Tribal Chief Brian Harris announced the Catawba Nation's intention to develop two additional casinos in North Carolina during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain, and the statement came as the first operational phase of the project reached completion with 1,350 slots, table games, dining options, and sports betting facilities already active since May 2026.
The Kings Mountain development carries an estimated price tag between 1.2 and 1.25 billion dollars, while the tribe continues to identify potential sites for the new locations and maintains ongoing negotiations without releasing specific timelines or addresses at this stage.
Details of the Current Kings Mountain Project
Construction and preparation for the Kings Mountain resort moved steadily forward until the initial casino floor opened in May 2026, at which point visitors gained access to the full array of gaming and hospitality amenities that form the core of the first phase, and observers note that this milestone provided the platform for Chief Harris to outline the broader vision that includes two further properties across the state.
Project financing and planning have remained under tribal oversight throughout the process, whereas the scale of investment reflects the Catawba Nation's commitment to establishing a sustained presence in North Carolina's gaming market beyond the flagship site near Charlotte.
Expansion Announcement and Next Steps
During the ceremony Chief Harris confirmed that potential sites have already been identified and that negotiations are underway, yet no further details on locations or development schedules were shared with attendees or the public at the time of the announcement, and this measured approach allows the tribe to finalize agreements before any public rollout.
State regulatory frameworks in North Carolina continue to shape the approval pathway for tribal gaming expansions, and the Catawba Nation's existing compact provides the foundation upon which additional properties can be evaluated, while tribal representatives coordinate with local stakeholders to align on infrastructure and community considerations.
Those familiar with the process emphasize that site selection involves multiple layers of review, including environmental assessments and traffic planning, and the absence of disclosed timelines reflects the tribe's focus on securing appropriate parcels before moving into formal permitting stages.
Context Within Tribal Gaming Development
The Catawba Nation operates under federal recognition that supports its authority to pursue gaming enterprises, and the Kings Mountain resort represents the most recent large-scale investment following earlier efforts in the region, while the new projects would extend that footprint further across North Carolina.
Data from the National Indian Gaming Commission shows steady growth in tribal gaming revenues nationwide over the past decade, and the Catawba Nation's strategy aligns with patterns observed among other tribes that have diversified their holdings through multiple venues.
Negotiations for the additional sites remain active as of July 2026, and the tribe continues to gather the necessary documentation and partner input required for any subsequent announcements, whereas the current focus stays on operational stabilization at the Kings Mountain property.
Community and Economic Considerations
Local governments near the Kings Mountain location have already begun evaluating the effects of the first phase on employment and tourism, and the prospect of two more casinos introduces additional variables for regional planning departments to consider, while the Catawba Nation maintains direct communication channels with county officials throughout the site selection process.
Traffic studies and utility assessments form part of the preparatory work that precedes any ground-breaking, and these steps ensure that each new location can integrate with existing infrastructure without creating undue strain on surrounding communities.
Conclusion
The announcement by Chief Brian Harris marks a clear step in the Catawba Nation's long-term development roadmap, and the combination of an operational flagship resort with identified sites for future properties positions the tribe to expand its gaming operations across North Carolina in a deliberate sequence, while ongoing negotiations will determine the pace and placement of the next two projects.