Catawba Two Kings Casino Expands Gaming Offerings 

As the Catawba Two Kings Casino navigates through a transitional phase with its temporary accommodations, plans for offering live table games are forging ahead. Despite uncertainties surrounding the timeline for a permanent facility, the casino is gearing up to introduce 12 live gaming tables, a move that signals a significant expansion of its gaming offerings. However, to realize this ambition, the casino must bolster its workforce substantially.

Confirmed by casino officials, the Catawba Two Kings Casino is set to introduce a range of live gaming options, including craps, blackjack, and various poker variants. Currently housed in temporary facilities, the casino's offerings primarily comprise electronic slot titles. However, according to Brian Harris of the Catawba Nation, plans are underway to commence dealer classes on March 25 to train personnel for live table games.

The Key Developments

1. Expansion of Gaming Offerings: The Catawba Two Kings Casino is set to introduce 12 live gaming tables, including popular options like craps, blackjack, and various poker variants. This move represents a significant expansion of the casino's gaming portfolio, signaling its commitment to diversifying offerings beyond electronic slot titles.
2. Workforce Expansion: To support the introduction of live table games, the casino plans to recruit 160 additional employees and conduct dealer training classes starting March 25. This recruitment drive reflects the casino's proactive approach to meet staffing needs and ensure smooth operations as it expands its gaming offerings.
3. Diversification Efforts and Economic Impact: Beyond gaming, the Catawba Two Kings Casino's ventures hold economic significance for the local community. The expansion of gaming offerings and recruitment of new employees not only enhance employment opportunities but also contribute to the local job market's vitality. Additionally, the prospect of a permanent casino promises long-term economic benefits, including increased tourism and revenue generation for the Catawba Nation and surrounding areas.

To accommodate the planned gaming tables, the casino aims to recruit 160 additional employees. This recruitment drive coincides with plans to expand its temporary facilities on recently acquired land. Alongside traditional favorites like blackjack and roulette, the casino intends to offer poker variants such as Mississippi stud and three-card, as well as mini-baccarat.

While details regarding staffing needs for table games were disclosed, information on other gaming projects within the Catawba Nation remains elusive. Although a permanent casino on Catawba Nation-owned land is envisioned, a concrete construction timeline is yet to materialize. However, Harris revealed aspirations to open the facility by early 2027.

In addition to physical gaming offerings, the Catawba Nation is also pursuing opportunities in online sports betting. Despite having applied for a license in North Carolina, progress has been stymied pending platform compliance testing by the North Carolina Lottery. Consequently, the timeline for launching a Catawba Two Kings-branded online sportsbook remains uncertain, with no updates provided by tribal authorities.

While the temporary casino currently facilitates in-person sports betting, the focus appears to be on prioritizing live table games. Traditionally lucrative for casinos, table games offer a reliable revenue stream, potentially outweighing the returns from sports betting. Moreover, revenue-sharing agreements with North Carolina likely favor table games over online sports betting, further emphasizing their strategic importance.

The expansion into live table games underscores the Catawba Two Kings Casino's commitment to diversifying its gaming portfolio. However, this endeavor necessitates substantial investment in staffing, reflecting the adage that it takes money to make money in the casino industry.

“Expanding our gaming offerings and recruiting new talent reflects our commitment to providing an exceptional entertainment experience for our guests at Catawba Two Kings Casino. We remain dedicated to driving growth and contributing to the local community's prosperity.”

Conclusions

Beyond gaming offerings, the Catawba Nation's ventures hold significance for the local economy and community. The recruitment of 160 new employees not only boosts employment opportunities but also injects vitality into the local job market. Furthermore, the prospect of a permanent casino promises long-term economic benefits, including increased tourism and revenue generation for the Catawba Nation and surrounding areas.

While challenges and uncertainties persist, the Catawba Two Kings Casino remains steadfast in its pursuit of growth and innovation. With plans to expand gaming offerings and navigate regulatory landscapes, the casino exemplifies resilience and adaptability in the dynamic gaming industry. As developments unfold, stakeholders eagerly anticipate the realization of the Catawba Nation's vision for a thriving gaming enterprise.