Catawba Chief Unveils Plans for Two More Casinos in North Carolina
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the first phase of the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, Catawba Chief Brian Harris shared details about the tribe's next steps, and those remarks have continued to shape conversations through July 2026 about how the project fits into larger development goals.
The Ceremony and Initial Announcement
Chief Brian Harris addressed attendees at the May 2026 opening event where he stated that the Catawba Nation intends to develop two additional casinos at other locations across the state, and he noted that sites have already been identified while preliminary negotiations continue with local communities, though no specific places or timelines received mention that day. The announcement framed the Kings Mountain facility as the starting point for what the tribe describes as a multi-casino approach rather than an isolated venture.
Observers present at the event reported that the statement came toward the end of the program after standard remarks about the resort's opening, and it quickly became the focus of follow-up questions from those covering the occasion. Harris emphasized that the tribe had conducted internal planning for expansion even before construction began on the current site, which allowed the leadership to move forward with site evaluations once the first phase reached completion.
Details on the Proposed Expansion
The tribe has confirmed that two additional locations are under active consideration, yet officials have withheld names of the communities involved or any projected opening dates, and this measured approach reflects standard practice when negotiations remain in early stages with local governments and stakeholders. Community leaders in potential host areas have not issued public statements as of July 2026, which leaves the process in a confidential phase typical of large-scale development talks.
Those familiar with tribal gaming projects note that early negotiations often involve discussions around revenue sharing, infrastructure support, and regulatory compliance before any formal agreements surface, and the Catawba approach follows this established pattern. The absence of disclosed timelines allows the tribe flexibility to adjust plans based on feedback from the identified communities.
Context of the Kings Mountain Project
The Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort opened its first phase in May 2026 after years of planning and construction, and the facility now operates as the tribe's initial gaming property in North Carolina, and it serves as the foundation for the broader strategy Harris described. The resort includes standard casino amenities along with hotel and dining options that opened to the public on schedule.
State records show that the project received necessary approvals through the North Carolina gaming regulatory framework, and the tribe worked with local officials in Kings Mountain throughout the development process to address concerns about traffic, employment, and community impact. The successful launch of this first site provided the tribe with operational experience that informs how future properties might be structured.
According to information from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, tribal gaming operations require coordination between federal oversight and state compacts, and the Catawba Nation has maintained compliance with these requirements while advancing its expansion discussions.
Strategic Positioning for the Tribe
The announcement positions the Kings Mountain resort as the first step in a larger plan rather than a standalone project, and this multi-site vision aligns with how other tribal nations have grown their gaming portfolios over time. By identifying sites early and beginning negotiations, the Catawba leadership aims to secure locations before competing interests emerge in the North Carolina market.
Industry reports from organizations such as the National Conference of State Legislatures indicate that tribal casino development often follows a phased approach where success at one property supports financing and planning for subsequent locations, and the Catawba strategy mirrors this model. The tribe has not released financial projections tied to the future sites, which keeps details focused on the current operating resort for now.
Local economic development offices in Kings Mountain have documented job creation and visitor traffic since the May opening, and these early figures provide data that the tribe can reference when discussing potential benefits with other communities. The process remains ongoing as of July 2026 with no public updates on which locations have advanced to formal agreements.
Current Status and Next Steps
Through July 2026 the Catawba Nation continues operations at the Kings Mountain site while maintaining its stated intention to move forward with the two additional properties, and the tribe has not provided further public updates beyond the original announcement. Negotiations with the identified communities stay in preliminary stages according to tribal spokespeople, which means any concrete details will likely emerge only after agreements reach more advanced points.
State regulators have not issued comments on the expansion plans as of mid-2026, and this silence reflects the fact that no formal applications have been filed for the new locations yet. The tribe's approach keeps the focus on steady progress without premature disclosures that could affect ongoing talks.
Conclusion
The announcement at the May 2026 ribbon-cutting ceremony established a clear direction for the Catawba Nation's gaming presence in North Carolina, and the Kings Mountain resort now serves as the operational base for that larger vision. With sites identified and negotiations underway, the tribe has set the stage for potential growth while keeping specific details private until the process advances further. Observers continue to watch for updates as the preliminary discussions evolve in the months ahead.