Excitement is building across the Carolinas as the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort continues its rapid transformation into one of the largest entertainment destinations in the Southeast. Located in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, just a short drive from Charlotte and minutes from the South Carolina border, the new casino is expected to bring thousands of jobs, massive gaming floors, restaurants, and a luxury hotel to the region.
What started as a temporary gaming facility in 2021 is now evolving into a billion-dollar resort project that will reshape the entertainment landscape for residents of North Carolina and South Carolina alike. For many visitors, this will soon become the closest full-scale casino experience near Charlotte.
As construction crews continue working around the clock, anticipation is rising for the next major milestone: the opening of the introductory casino expansion. This new phase will dramatically expand the current gaming offerings and provide a glimpse into the massive resort planned for full completion in 2027.
Here’s a closer look at what makes the Two Kings Casino project so significant — and why thousands of visitors are already planning their first trip.
The Strategic Location That Makes Two Kings Casino So Appealing
One of the biggest advantages of the Two Kings Casino is its prime location along Interstate 85 in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Positioned about 35 miles west of Charlotte and just five miles from the South Carolina border, the casino sits in a perfect spot to attract visitors from multiple states.
For residents in the Charlotte metro area, the drive is quick and convenient. Meanwhile, many people living in South Carolina — where casino gambling is not allowed — see the Two Kings Casino as the closest opportunity to enjoy slot machines, table games, and sports betting in a full casino environment.
The accessibility of Interstate 85 also makes the resort an easy destination for travelers coming from cities like:
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Gastonia, North Carolina
- Rock Hill, South Carolina
- Spartanburg, South Carolina
- Greenville, South Carolina
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Columbia South Carolina
Because of this strategic positioning, developers expect the casino to draw a steady flow of visitors from across the Southeast.
The Temporary Casino That Launched the Project
Before the massive resort construction began, the Catawba Nation launched a temporary casino facility on July 1, 2021. This initial venue served as a test of demand while the full resort project was still in development.
The temporary casino quickly became popular with visitors from both North and South Carolina. It featured electronic gaming machines and a limited number of table-style games, giving guests an early taste of what a permanent casino could bring to the region.
Over time, the temporary facility proved that the area had strong demand for casino entertainment. As a result, plans accelerated for the full resort complex, which will eventually include millions of square feet of gaming, hospitality, and entertainment space.
Once the new introductory casino opens, the temporary casino will officially shut down and operations will transition into the larger facility.
The Introductory Casino Expansion Opening Soon
The next big milestone in the project is the opening of the Introductory Casino, which represents the first major expansion beyond the temporary facility currently operating on site.
This expansion will significantly increase the number of games and amenities available to visitors.
Gaming and Entertainment Features
- More than 1,300 slot machines
- 22 live table games
- 9 sports betting kiosks
- 11 video poker bar-top games
Food and Social Spaces
- A fast-casual restaurant with approximately 72 seats
- A full-service bar with 18 seats
- Additional lounge areas for guests
This introductory casino will serve as the bridge between the original temporary facility and the massive full-scale resort currently under construction.
Construction Progress and the Workforce Behind It
The scale of the Two Kings Casino project is massive, and construction activity reflects that. At times, more than 900 workers have been on site as crews work around the clock to complete the development.
Major construction milestones already completed include:
- Foundations for the main casino complex
- Structural groundwork for the hotel tower
- Delivery of gaming equipment and machines
- Infrastructure improvements across the site
Steel framing is currently rising for the hotel tower, giving the public the first visual glimpse of the resort’s final form.
The project is being led by the Catawba Nation Gaming Authority, which views the casino as a long-term economic investment that will support future generations of the tribe.
The Full Two Kings Casino Resort Planned for 2027
While the introductory casino will already be a major attraction, the real centerpiece of the project will arrive when the full casino resort opens in spring 2027.
The completed complex will span nearly 2 million square feet and include one of the largest gaming floors in the region.
Main Casino Floor Highlights
- Approximately 4,300 slot machines
- More than 100 table games
- A high-limit gaming area
- A casino cage and VIP areas
- A single-level gaming floor spanning about seven acres
The introductory casino will remain part of the property and will eventually be converted into a dedicated smoking gaming area.
A 24-Story Hotel Rising Above the Casino
One of the most visually impressive elements of the Two Kings Casino Resort will be its towering hotel. Plans call for a 24-story hotel tower with approximately 385 rooms.
The hotel will be directly connected to the casino floor, creating a full resort experience for guests who want to stay overnight.
Developers expect the property to reach a four-diamond resort standard, meaning guests can expect high-end accommodations, modern design, and premium hospitality services.
For many visitors traveling from cities several hours away, the hotel will transform the casino into a weekend destination rather than just a quick day trip.
Dining, Bars, and Entertainment Options
Casinos today are about far more than gambling, and the Two Kings Resort plans to offer a variety of dining and nightlife options.
When fully completed, the resort is expected to include:
- 5 restaurants
- 6 bars
- A players lounge
- A 24-hour café
This combination of gaming, food, and entertainment is designed to appeal to a wide range of visitors — including people who may not gamble at all.
For example, couples might visit for dinner and drinks, while groups of friends could make a night of entertainment that includes live games, dining, and social spaces.
The Economic Impact for the Region
The Two Kings Casino project is expected to deliver a major economic boost for the surrounding region. Once fully operational, the resort is projected to employ more than 2,000 workers.
These jobs will span many industries, including:
- Gaming operations
- Hospitality and hotel services
- Restaurant and food service
- Security and maintenance
- Administrative and management roles
Beyond direct employment, local businesses in downtown Kings Mountain are hopeful the influx of visitors will also bring increased foot traffic to restaurants, shops, and service providers.
Tourism dollars generated by the casino could ripple throughout the local economy for years to come.
Important Update About Casino Chips
As the casino transitions from the temporary facility to the new introductory casino, guests should be aware of an important policy change.
Beginning March 24, 2026, the casino will start discontinuing the table game chips currently used in the temporary facility.
Players will have 120 days to redeem these chips at the casino cage. After that redemption window closes, the chips will no longer be accepted.
This change is necessary because the temporary casino will close when the new introductory casino opens.
Why Two Kings Casino Could Become One of the Southeast’s Top Destinations
The vision behind the Two Kings Casino Resort extends far beyond a typical gaming venue. Developers believe the property could eventually rank among the best casino resorts in the country.
Several factors support that vision:
- A massive gaming floor with thousands of machines
- A luxury hotel and resort amenities
- Multiple restaurants and nightlife venues
- Convenient interstate access
- Strong demand from neighboring states
Because the casino sits so close to Charlotte — one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States — it could quickly become one of the region’s most visited entertainment destinations.
FAQ: Two Kings Casino Near Charlotte NC
When will the new Two Kings Casino open?
The introductory casino expansion is expected to open soon, while the full casino resort and hotel are scheduled to open in phases leading up to spring 2027.
How far is Two Kings Casino from Charlotte?
The casino is located in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, about 35 miles west of Charlotte. The drive typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.
Will the casino have table games?
Yes. The introductory casino will feature 22 live table games, and the full resort is expected to offer more than 100 table games when completed.
How many slot machines will the full resort have?
Once construction is complete, the casino is expected to house approximately 4,300 slot machines across its gaming floors.
Will there be a hotel at the casino?
Yes. Plans include a 24-story hotel tower with 385 rooms connected directly to the casino floor.
Why is the casino attracting visitors from South Carolina?
Casino gambling is not permitted in South Carolina, making the Two Kings Casino one of the closest gaming destinations for residents across the border.
Final Thoughts
The rise of the Two Kings Casino Resort marks a major new chapter for entertainment in the Carolinas. With billions invested, thousands of jobs expected, and one of the largest gaming complexes in the region on the way, the project is poised to become a major destination for visitors across multiple states.
For residents of Charlotte, the casino will soon provide a nearby escape filled with gaming, dining, nightlife, and resort-style amenities. Meanwhile, travelers from South Carolina and beyond may find themselves making the drive to Kings Mountain for a weekend of entertainment.
As construction continues and the opening dates approach, one thing is clear: the new casino near Charlotte is arriving fast — and it could soon become one of the Southeast’s most exciting places to visit.