Catawba Nation Expands Casino Ambitions in North Carolina with New Sites Planned
The Catawba Nation's Casino Expansion Plans
The Catawba Nation is extending its gaming reach in North Carolina, with tribal leaders announcing intentions to develop two more casinos following the recent inauguration of the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort. Chief Brian Harris shared these ambitious plans during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the first phase of the $1.2 billion complex, situated near Kings Mountain, roughly 35 miles from Charlotte.
Catawba Two Kings Casino: A Strategic Launch
During the event attended by approximately 500 tribal members and state officials, Harris emphasized that Catawba Two Kings is merely the starting point for the tribe’s gaming endeavors. He stated, “We got two more casinos to build in this state, and hot dammit we’re going to build them.” While specific locations for the future casinos have been identified, Harris has declined to disclose those details due to ongoing negotiations with involved communities.
"I can’t tell you that right now,” Harris explained. “It’s all about negotiations. We’ve identified the locations. We’re in preliminary negotiations right now. And once those come to fruition, when we come to deal, we’ll make an announcement.”
Kings Mountain as a Broader Strategy
Framing the Kings Mountain casino as a key element in a larger plan, the Catawba Nation aims to position itself as a significant player in North Carolina's gaming sector. The currently opened casino features 1,350 slot machines, 36 electronic table games, and a variety of amenities, including bars and sports betting kiosks. The full resort is poised to launch in Spring 2027 and will include 4,300 slot machines, 100 live tables, and multiple dining establishments.
This project is more than just a gaming venue; it serves as a conduit for job creation, tourism, and economic uplift for the tribe. Despite potential pushback regarding the expansion of gaming in North Carolina, Harris and tribal leaders express confidence that there’s room for growth.
A Different Path for the Lumbee Tribe
In contrast to the Catawba's proactive approach, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has recently encountered setbacks regarding its own casino aspirations. Lumbee voters recently rejected a proposal that would have amended their constitution to permit future gaming projects, effectively halting plans for a casino resort in Robeson County.
This vote — a culmination of months of internal deliberation — demonstrated a divide within the Lumbee community about whether casino gaming should inform their economic landscape following their federal recognition in 2025. Lumbee Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery announced the decision on social media, indicating a desire to respect the majority's view.
Public Sentiment on Gaming Development
While proponents of the Lumbee proposal had pointed to a 241-acre site purchased in Robeson County as a possible location for a resort, many community members voiced concerns over governance and the implications of the proposed changes. The opposition emphasized the importance of careful oversight rather than hastily moving toward gaming development.
Lowery acknowledged the implications of the vote but noted the opportunity for alternative developments on the land, such as business or industrial parks. “I will honor the wishes of the majority,” he stated, committing not to revisit the casino topic during his remaining term.
Contrasting Futures for North Carolina's Tribes
The differing paths of these neighboring tribes underscore a significant moment in North Carolina’s tribal gaming environment. While the Catawba Nation is ramping up for a future with additional casinos, the Lumbee have currently stepped back from the gaming dialogue. This divergence highlights how each tribe is interpreting its economic needs and strategies in a changing landscape.
As the Catawba Nation prepares to announce the sites of its future casinos, the regional response and negotiation outcomes will likely shape their trajectory. The ongoing evolution of tribal gaming initiatives reflects the complex dynamics of local priorities and tribal sovereignty, paving the way for discussions on economic growth and community development in North Carolina.
Featured image: Carl Raw/Unsplash
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