Groundbreaking Set for North Carolina Tribal Casino Resort Near Charlotte
A traditional gambling establishment project in North Carolina, around 35 miles west of Charlotte, is almost ready to be built nearly 10 years after it was initially announced.
The Catawba Tribe managed a temporary casino in Kings Mountain with roughly 1,000 slot machines, electronic dining table games, and a retail activities book since 2021. The short-lived gaming facility was supposed to operate for one or two years as the tribe prepared a permanent destination resort on the property situated off Interstate 85 at Exit 5.
A federal investigation and subsequent legal wrangling considerably postponed the commencement of construction. The tribe declared final week that the property ownership dispute has been resolved, and financing is accessible to begin constructing the $700 million combined resort, known as the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort.
Chief Brian Harris of the Catawba Tribe remarked, "We persisted to attain a good arrangement to where we can currently unlock the financial and financial advantages of the project for Catawba Nation associates and citizens of Cleveland County."
"The establishment of this casino doesn't only symbolize injustices and mortar," Harris continued. "It signifies our pledge to safeguarding our tribal identity, supporting our community, and crafting opportunities for our people."
A ritual groundbreaking is scheduled for Friday, June 7. The Catawba Tribe regained federal recognition in 1993 and in 2013 declared its intention to become a gambling estate tribe with a Class III casino west of Charlotte.
Amicable Disentanglement
The delay in the Catawba Tribe bringing to life what the tribe foresees as its financial lifeline has mostly revolved around which figures will possess controlling ownership in the business.
North Carolina real estate developer Wallace Cheves, who local journalism refers to as "politically connected," in 2020 aided the tribe in obtaining roughly 17 acres of land in Kings Mountain and have the U.S. Department of the Interior place the land into trust, a significant advancement in the Native American group establishing sovereign territory. This land-into-trust process was also essential in shifting the tribe towards gambling.
Even so, the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) raised concerns about Cheves' Sky Boat Gaming, LLC, holding too much equity in the tribal casino resort. The federal organization determined that Sky Boat, a commercial enterprise, couldn't maintain such an ownership position in what's believed to be a tribal operation that mainly benefits the tribal community.
The NIGC issued a notice of offense to the tribe in December 2022. Since then, Catawba chiefs have been wrapped up in separation settlement conversations with Sky Boat, the latter of which declared it was owed $125 million to interruption the partnership.
The two sides in May mutually agreed on conditions to break up, although specifics were not made public. Nevertheless, the tribe in March agreed to buy almost 9.5 acres of rural property close to where the casino is to be constructed for a striking $40 million. The land was offered by an entity predominantly owned by Cheves.
Delaware North Collaboration
The Catawba Tribe, a minimal tribe representing about 3,000 members, allied with New York-based gaming and tourism behemoth Delaware North to instigate Two Kings. The partners tell us the first stage of the long-lasting casino will feature a one-story casino sporting 1,350 slots and electronic gaming machines, 12 live dealer table games, a sportsbook with 30 self-service betting kiosks, and a 40-seat restaurant.
The initial phase of the venue is anticipated to begin operations in early 2026 and employ 420 individuals. Remaining phases are slated to enhance the so-called "introductory casino" to include 4,300 slots, 100 tables, five establishments, six pubs, and a 400-room inn.
Once completed, Two Kings Casino Resort will employ just about 2,000 individuals, tribal leaders explain.
North Carolina's two recognized tribes — the Catawba Nation and the considerably larger Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians that manage Harrah's Cherokee and Harrah's Cherokee Valley River — experienced a major achievement lately as endeavors in Raleigh to introduce commercial casinos to the state collapsed.
