Catawba Two Kings Casino
Temporary casino operating while the resort is awaiting construction
Location Kings Mountain, North Carolina
Address 538 Kings Mountain Blvd
Opening dateJuly 1, 2021 (temporary)
Total gaming space30,000 sq ft (2,800 m2)
Casino typeLand-based
OwnerCatawba Indian Nation
Operating license holderDelaware North
Coordinates35°12′07″N 81°22′19″W / 35.20205°N 81.37201°W / 35.20205; -81.37201
Websitetwokingscasino.com

Catawba Two Kings Casino is a tribal casino in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, approximately 35 miles (56 km) west of Charlotte, overlooking Interstate 85. The casino is owned by the Catawba Indian Nation and managed by Delaware North.[1] There is currently a temporary modular "pre-launch" casino that has 1,000 slot machines and electronic table games available until the final casino resort is built. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2024 and be completed in two to three years. The finished casino is expected to have 3,000 slot machines and 120 table games while also including a 400 hotel room tower.[2]

History

The name of the casino, Two Kings, refers to the 18th century Catawba Chief King Hagler and the city of Kings Mountain.[3]

The temporary casino opened on July 1, 2021 with 500 slot machines.[4][5] The casino expanded in December 2021 to have a total of 954 slot machines while also adding 46 electronic table games which include Blackjack, Craps, and Roulette.[6]

In September 2022, the casino added 30 kiosks which allowed players to place sports bets.[7][8]

Federal investigation and political connections

In March 2022, the chief compliance officer of the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) alerted the Catawba Nation to issues with their contract and that business agreements with partners violate the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.[9] It warned that if they aren’t brought into compliance, the tribe could face fines and temporary closure of the casino. The NIGC's role is to ensure that Indian gaming is conducted in compliance with federal law and that the tribe's revenues are used in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the tribe and its members.

On July 31, 2022, The Wall Street Journal published a report revealing that individuals with political connections in North Carolina and South Carolina received shares in companies connected to the casino while it was seeking approval to open.[10] This brought concerns about potential conflicts of interest as it appeared politicians used their influence to benefit the casino and the companies they are connected to, rather than that of the public. Some of the political connections included the husband of Nikki Haley, Michael Haley, and brother of South Carolina representative Jim Clyburn, John Clyburn, who were discovered to have ownership in the slot machine company, Kings Mountain Equipment Supply.[11] The casino is currently appealing the violation issued by the National Indian Gaming Commission.[12]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Goldner, Brandon (June 17, 2021). "New casino opening July in Kings Mountain". WCNC. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
  2. ↑ Off, Gavin (October 11, 2023). "New Catawba chief rejects money deal to break up with Two Kings Casino developer". Charlotte Observer. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
  3. ↑ George, Dustin (July 28, 2020). "Casino gets its official name". Shelby Star. Retrieved January 17, 2023.
  4. ↑ O'Connor, Kristi (July 1, 2021). "Temporary Two Kings Casino opens in Kings Mountain". WBTV. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
  5. ↑ Latrice Williams (July 2, 2021). "Catawba Two Kings Casino opens in Kings Mountain". The Shelby Star. Shelby, NC. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
  6. ↑ Marusak, Joe (December 16, 2021). "Catawbas double the number of games at their NC casino. Here's what's you should know". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  7. ↑ Lee, Ron (September 7, 2022). "Two Kings Casino introduces new sports betting kiosks". WBTV. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  8. ↑ Bell, Alexis (September 7, 2022). "Catawba Two Kings Casino opens onsite sports betting". Spectrum News 1. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
  9. ↑ Guion, Payton (December 7, 2022). "Catawba Two Kings Casino violates US law, federal investigation finds". Charlotte Observer. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
  10. ↑ Maremont, Mark (July 31, 2022). "Slice of Profits From North Carolina Casino Goes to Relatives of Politicians". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  11. ↑ Guion, Payton (December 15, 2022). "A timeline of Catawba Nation and Two Kings Casino". Charlotte Observer. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
  12. ↑ Sitzes, Rebecca (January 18, 2023). "Casino files appeal following threat of closure". Shelby Star. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
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