North Carolina Tribal Gaming

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the state of North Carolina entered into a compact in 1994 allowing the tribe to operate gaming machines in their bingo hall. The tribe works in cooperation with Harrah's to run their casinos. The tribe's Class II gaming compact with the state was granted a 30-year extension in 2000. In May 2008, the tribe renegotiated their compact to include Class III gaming. In 2011, and the compact was expanded again to permit live table games and live poker and to increase the number of hotel rooms, slot machines and restaurants.

In August 2008, tribal leaders agreed to allow members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to vote on whether alcohol sales would be allowed at Harrah's Cherokee Casino. This was the third time in 18 years that tribal leaders had taken up the matter. The measure was approved in June 2009, allowing the tribe to serve alcohol at their gaming locations.

In July 2021, the Catawba Nation opened a temporary Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, located off Interstate 85 approximately 35 miles west of Charlotte. The temporary facility features more than 1,100 gaming machines (including electronic table games), 14 live table games, a sportsbook, and casual dining.

Construction on the permanent $1 billion Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort — located on an adjacent site — commenced in mid-2024. On October 30, 2025, the Catawba Nation and its development partners held a topping-off ceremony marking the structural completion of the major components of the permanent casino complex. An Introductory Casino phase opened on May 20, 2026, on the first level of the permanent structure, featuring 1,350 slot machines, 20 live table games, a sports betting kiosk area, a 40-seat restaurant, a bar, and a Lucky North Rewards desk.

As of early July 2026, construction of the main casino floor and the 24-story, 385-room hotel tower are on schedule for a spring 2027 opening.