North Carolina Tribe Opens First Phase Of $1.2 Billion Case

The North Carolina gaming scene is poised for a dramatic transformation, ushered in by the Catawba Nation's ambitious vision for casino development. This week marked a pivotal moment as the tribe celebrated the grand opening of the initial phase of its sprawling $1.2 billion Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain. This introductory facility, already a substantial addition to the state's entertainment offerings, features a robust array of 1,350 slot machines, 22 live table games, and a dedicated sportsbook, laying the groundwork for what will eventually become a monumental destination.

Located approximately 25 miles west of the bustling city of Charlotte, the Kings Mountain Two Kings Casino is merely the beginning. The full-scale resort, slated for completion by 2027, promises to be an economic powerhouse, boasting an impressive 4,300 slot machines, 100 table games, 11 diverse restaurants, and a luxurious 385-room hotel. This extensive development underscores the Catawba Nation's commitment to establishing a dominant presence in the regional gaming market.

Adding an even more compelling layer to this narrative, Catawba Chief Brian Harris did not mince words during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Addressing hundreds of tribal members and attendees, Harris declared the tribe's intentions to expand well beyond the Two Kings project. “We got two more casinos to build in this state, and goddamn we’re going to build them,” he stated emphatically, a clear signal of the tribe's aggressive growth strategy.

While the specific locations for these two additional casinos remain undisclosed, Chief Harris did confirm to the *Charlotte Observer* that tribal leadership has already identified potential sites and is actively engaged in negotiations. This revelation hints at a carefully considered, multi-pronged approach to casino development, one that could significantly alter the existing gaming landscape across North Carolina.

Notably, the current introductory phase of the Two Kings Casino does not include a dedicated poker room. The tribe has yet to confirm whether the final, completed facility will incorporate a venue for card players. This leaves poker enthusiasts in a state of anticipation, wondering if this burgeoning gaming empire will eventually cater to their passion.

This announcement of widespread expansion comes hot on the heels of a contrasting decision by another North Carolina tribe. Just days prior, the Lumbee Tribe overwhelmingly voted against building a gaming property on 240 acres of land in Robeson County, highlighting the varied approaches and internal considerations among tribal nations regarding casino development.

Currently, North Carolina's casino scene is primarily anchored by two other tribal properties, both operated by the Cherokees in the western reaches of the state: Harrah's Cherokee and Harrah's Cherokee Valley River in Murphy. These establishments have historically been the sole major players, with all of the state’s existing casinos situated in the western part of the state, far from the populous central and eastern regions.

Efforts to legalize commercial casinos in North Carolina have faced considerable hurdles in recent years, consistently meeting with strong opposition from key political figures and failing to gain legislative traction. This makes the Catawba Nation's tribal expansion even more impactful, as it represents a significant increase in gaming options within the existing legal framework.

For the dedicated poker community, the Harrah’s Cherokee properties have long served as vital hubs. Both the Cherokee and Murphy locations feature robust poker rooms, with the Cherokee venue particularly renowned as a popular stop on the *World Series of Poker Circuit*. This established presence was recently underscored by Derek Sein-Lwin's victory in the *WSOPC* Cherokee Main Event in December, where he topped a field of 1,190 entries to claim a $281,514 top prize and his first championship gold ring.

The Catawba Nation's bold move to open the first phase of its $1.2 billion flagship casino and announce two more properties signals a new era for gaming in North Carolina. This expansion promises not only economic growth for the tribe and the region but also a dramatic shift in the entertainment and tourism landscape, potentially drawing new demographics and reshaping the competitive dynamics for both tribal and, eventually, commercial gaming interests across the Tar Heel State.