| Catawba Two Kings Casino | |
|---|---|
 | |
 Temporary casino operating while the resort is awaiting construction | |
| Location | Kings Mountain, North Carolina |
| Address | 538 Kings Mountain Blvd |
| Opening date | July 1, 2021 (temporary) |
| Total gaming space | 30,000 sq ft (2,800 m2) |
| Casino type | Land-based |
| Owner | Catawba Indian Nation |
| Operating license holder | Delaware North |
| Coordinates | 35°12′07″N 81°22′19″W / 35.20205°N 81.37201°W |
| Website |
twokingscasino |
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] The name of the casino, Two Kings, refers to the 18th century Catawba Chief King Hagler and the city of Kings Mountain. [3]
History
Early gaming relations with North and South Carolina
The Catawba Indian Nation was not included in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) as they were not a federally recognized tribe at the time of its signing in 1988. The Catawba gained that recognition five years later through the Catawba Indian Tribe of South Carolina Land Claims Settlement Act of 1993. Under this Settlement however, the Catawba agreed to not be governed by the IGRA, but instead allowed to operate games of chance permissible by the Agreement and State legislation, which included bingo and video poker at the time. The tribe opened several bingo halls but they struggled to be profitable and would eventually close down due to a high sales tax and competition with the South Carolina Education Lottery. The Catawba tried negotiating a compact with South Carolina to open a tribal casino in exchange for sharing casino profits, but former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and state officials repeatedly rejected the idea and were firm in denying any gambling expansion for the Catawba. [4] Tribal leaders then began looking across the boarder into neighboring North Carolina for possible gaming ventures. In September 2013, the Nation announced “Project Schoolhouse”, which was the codename for a plan to build a $600 million casino resort in North Carolina. [5] The tribe purchased a nearly 17-acre (6.9 ha) plot of land overlooking Interstate 85 in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, about 40 miles northwest of the Rock Hill, South Carolina reservation. [6] The Catawba applied to the U.S. Department of the Interior to take this land into federal trust for the tribe in order to build the casino resort on the property in the bordering state. [7] Former North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory and over 100 other state representatives disapproved of the plan and sent a letter to the Bureau of Indian Affairs strongly opposing the Catawba's application. [8] The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), who owned the only two casinos in North Carolina at the time, also came out in strong opposition against the project. The Catawba partnered with Sky Boat Gaming LLC, owned by politically connected South Carolina casino developer Wallace Cheves, to help the project get funding and approval. [9] While local officials approved of the casino, some community members and churches openly object to the project citing religious concerns and fearing a negative economic and societal impact to the area. [10] In 2018, after years of review, the Interior ultimately denied the trust land request. The Catawba subsequently filed a new discretionary application with the Interior as well as petitioned Congress, again requesting that it take the Kings Mountain site into trust and that the land be used for gaming. In 2019, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham introduced U.S. Senate Bill 790, which would allow the Catawba to take the land into trust for gaming. The bill receives support from North Carolina Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis. [11] In March 2020, the Interior Department reversed its previous decision and puts the Kings Mountain land into trust for the Catawba. [12]
The temporary casino opened on July 1, 2021 with 500 slot machines. [13] [14] 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. [15]
In September 2022, the casino added 30 kiosks which allowed players to place sports bets. [16] [17]
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 (IGRA). [18] 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. [19] 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 Michael Haley, the husband of former governor of South Carolina and 2024 Republican Presidential candidate Nikki Haley as well as John Clyburn, the brother of South Carolina representative Jim Clyburn, both of whom were discovered to have ownership in the slot machine company, Kings Mountain Equipment Supply. [20] The casino is currently appealing the violation issued by the National Indian Gaming Commission. [21]
See also
References
- ^ Goldner, Brandon (June 17, 2021). "New casino opening July in Kings Mountain". WCNC. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
- ^ 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.
- ^ George, Dustin (July 28, 2020). "Casino gets its official name". Shelby Star. Retrieved January 17, 2023.
- ^ Collins, Jeffrey (February 8, 2013). "Catawbas keep pushing for casino; SC pushes back". The Post and Courier. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ Elkins, Ken (January 7, 2014). "Catawbas first looked for York County land before launching NC casino idea". Charlotte Business Journal. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ Tessnear, Matthew (January 17, 2014). "Catawba Indian Nation chief: County 'caught the eye of everybody' for resort". The Shelby Star. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ Elkins, Ken (May 9, 2014). "Why the Catawbas are betting on N.C. casino project". Charlotte Business Journal. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ Frank, John (October 31, 2013). "N.C. Senate leaders make legal case against Catawba casino". The News & Observer. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ Rothacker, Rick (February 9, 2014). "Catawba casino developer has long ties to video poker industry". The State. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ Orlando, Joyce (February 5, 2015). "Casino still in holding pattern". The Shelby Star. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ Kays, Holly (May 22, 2019). "N.C. Senate opposes Catawba casino". Smokey Mountain News. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ Dillon, A.P. (March 18, 2020). "Proposed Catawba Indian casino in King's Mountain moves forward". North State Journal. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ O'Connor, Kristi (July 1, 2021). "Temporary Two Kings Casino opens in Kings Mountain". WBTV. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
- ^ Latrice Williams (July 2, 2021). "Catawba Two Kings Casino opens in Kings Mountain". The Shelby Star. Shelby, NC. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Lee, Ron (September 7, 2022). "Two Kings Casino introduces new sports betting kiosks". WBTV. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
- ^ Bell, Alexis (September 7, 2022). "Catawba Two Kings Casino opens onsite sports betting". Spectrum News 1. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
- ^ Guion, Payton (December 7, 2022). "Catawba Two Kings Casino violates US law, federal investigation finds". Charlotte Observer. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
- ^ Maremont, Mark (July 31, 2022). "Slice of Profits From North Carolina Casino Goes to Relatives of Politicians". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
- ^ Guion, Payton (December 15, 2022). "A timeline of Catawba Nation and Two Kings Casino". Charlotte Observer. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
- ^ Sitzes, Rebecca (January 18, 2023). "Casino files appeal following threat of closure". Shelby Star. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
| Catawba Two Kings Casino | |
|---|---|
|
| |
|
Temporary casino operating while the resort is awaiting construction | |
| Location | Kings Mountain, North Carolina |
| Address | 538 Kings Mountain Blvd |
| Opening date | July 1, 2021 (temporary) |
| Total gaming space | 30,000 sq ft (2,800 m2) |
| Casino type | Land-based |
| Owner | Catawba Indian Nation |
| Operating license holder | Delaware North |
| Coordinates | 35°12′07″N 81°22′19″W / 35.20205°N 81.37201°W |
| Website |
twokingscasino |
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] The name of the casino, Two Kings, refers to the 18th century Catawba Chief King Hagler and the city of Kings Mountain. [3]
History
Early gaming relations with North and South Carolina
The Catawba Indian Nation was not included in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) as they were not a federally recognized tribe at the time of its signing in 1988. The Catawba gained that recognition five years later through the Catawba Indian Tribe of South Carolina Land Claims Settlement Act of 1993. Under this Settlement however, the Catawba agreed to not be governed by the IGRA, but instead allowed to operate games of chance permissible by the Agreement and State legislation, which included bingo and video poker at the time. The tribe opened several bingo halls but they struggled to be profitable and would eventually close down due to a high sales tax and competition with the South Carolina Education Lottery. The Catawba tried negotiating a compact with South Carolina to open a tribal casino in exchange for sharing casino profits, but former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and state officials repeatedly rejected the idea and were firm in denying any gambling expansion for the Catawba. [4] Tribal leaders then began looking across the boarder into neighboring North Carolina for possible gaming ventures. In September 2013, the Nation announced “Project Schoolhouse”, which was the codename for a plan to build a $600 million casino resort in North Carolina. [5] The tribe purchased a nearly 17-acre (6.9 ha) plot of land overlooking Interstate 85 in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, about 40 miles northwest of the Rock Hill, South Carolina reservation. [6] The Catawba applied to the U.S. Department of the Interior to take this land into federal trust for the tribe in order to build the casino resort on the property in the bordering state. [7] Former North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory and over 100 other state representatives disapproved of the plan and sent a letter to the Bureau of Indian Affairs strongly opposing the Catawba's application. [8] The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), who owned the only two casinos in North Carolina at the time, also came out in strong opposition against the project. The Catawba partnered with Sky Boat Gaming LLC, owned by politically connected South Carolina casino developer Wallace Cheves, to help the project get funding and approval. [9] While local officials approved of the casino, some community members and churches openly object to the project citing religious concerns and fearing a negative economic and societal impact to the area. [10] In 2018, after years of review, the Interior ultimately denied the trust land request. The Catawba subsequently filed a new discretionary application with the Interior as well as petitioned Congress, again requesting that it take the Kings Mountain site into trust and that the land be used for gaming. In 2019, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham introduced U.S. Senate Bill 790, which would allow the Catawba to take the land into trust for gaming. The bill receives support from North Carolina Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis. [11] In March 2020, the Interior Department reversed its previous decision and puts the Kings Mountain land into trust for the Catawba. [12]
The temporary casino opened on July 1, 2021 with 500 slot machines. [13] [14] 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. [15]
In September 2022, the casino added 30 kiosks which allowed players to place sports bets. [16] [17]
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 (IGRA). [18] 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. [19] 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 Michael Haley, the husband of former governor of South Carolina and 2024 Republican Presidential candidate Nikki Haley as well as John Clyburn, the brother of South Carolina representative Jim Clyburn, both of whom were discovered to have ownership in the slot machine company, Kings Mountain Equipment Supply. [20] The casino is currently appealing the violation issued by the National Indian Gaming Commission. [21]
See also
References
- ^ Goldner, Brandon (June 17, 2021). "New casino opening July in Kings Mountain". WCNC. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
- ^ 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.
- ^ George, Dustin (July 28, 2020). "Casino gets its official name". Shelby Star. Retrieved January 17, 2023.
- ^ Collins, Jeffrey (February 8, 2013). "Catawbas keep pushing for casino; SC pushes back". The Post and Courier. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ Elkins, Ken (January 7, 2014). "Catawbas first looked for York County land before launching NC casino idea". Charlotte Business Journal. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ Tessnear, Matthew (January 17, 2014). "Catawba Indian Nation chief: County 'caught the eye of everybody' for resort". The Shelby Star. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ Elkins, Ken (May 9, 2014). "Why the Catawbas are betting on N.C. casino project". Charlotte Business Journal. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ Frank, John (October 31, 2013). "N.C. Senate leaders make legal case against Catawba casino". The News & Observer. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ Rothacker, Rick (February 9, 2014). "Catawba casino developer has long ties to video poker industry". The State. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ Orlando, Joyce (February 5, 2015). "Casino still in holding pattern". The Shelby Star. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ Kays, Holly (May 22, 2019). "N.C. Senate opposes Catawba casino". Smokey Mountain News. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ Dillon, A.P. (March 18, 2020). "Proposed Catawba Indian casino in King's Mountain moves forward". North State Journal. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ O'Connor, Kristi (July 1, 2021). "Temporary Two Kings Casino opens in Kings Mountain". WBTV. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
- ^ Latrice Williams (July 2, 2021). "Catawba Two Kings Casino opens in Kings Mountain". The Shelby Star. Shelby, NC. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Lee, Ron (September 7, 2022). "Two Kings Casino introduces new sports betting kiosks". WBTV. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
- ^ Bell, Alexis (September 7, 2022). "Catawba Two Kings Casino opens onsite sports betting". Spectrum News 1. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
- ^ Guion, Payton (December 7, 2022). "Catawba Two Kings Casino violates US law, federal investigation finds". Charlotte Observer. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
- ^ Maremont, Mark (July 31, 2022). "Slice of Profits From North Carolina Casino Goes to Relatives of Politicians". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
- ^ Guion, Payton (December 15, 2022). "A timeline of Catawba Nation and Two Kings Casino". Charlotte Observer. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
- ^ Sitzes, Rebecca (January 18, 2023). "Casino files appeal following threat of closure". Shelby Star. Retrieved January 18, 2023.