Could The Two Kings Casino Be Going Bust?

The Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain, NC has been open in a temporary space for about a year while construction has been ongoing for a full-blown resort nearby.  However, a federal investigation into possible wrongdoing by prominent political figures could put the nearly $300 million project on ice.

The Wall Street Journal has reported that the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) is investigating plans by the Catawba Nation to build its Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain.  Relatives of longstanding SC Congressman James Clyburn and the husband of former SC Governor Nikki Haley both received ownership interests in a company called Kings Mountain Equipment Supply LLC which earns 20% of the profits earned by the slot machines at the casino.  This is understandably bringing up a lot of questions about the years-long process to get the casino approved for the tribe, and whether any laws were broken with this financial setup.  Congressman Clyburn and former Governor Haley have so far declined to comment specifically on the matter, but we’re sure it’s only a matter of time before more facts come to light.

This is just the latest twist in a what has been years long saga for the Catawba tribe’s attempts to get a casino on their land.  It was only after years of court battles that the temporary casino opened up in July 2021.  Will this development mean the end of the $300 million development of the Kings Mountain Casino?  We’ll be sure to keep you posted.

While this almost certainly puts the planned 200,000 square foot casino 1,500 room resort behind schedule for its three phases of contsruction, we aren’t sure just yet how far back this pushes things.  Expect more court battles and legal wranglings before the full kit and caboodle gets set up, if ever.  In the meantime, the temporary casino remains open.  And, if you’re looking for other options in the area to get your gaming on, check out all the casinos just a short drive away!