The Catawba Nation’s ambitious project to develop the Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, has encountered a significant setback due to an ongoing dispute with the developer, Sky Boat Gaming. The dispute has raised concerns about the progress of the $700 million casino resort and the economic benefits it promises to bring.
The Dispute and Delay:
Catawba Nation Chief Brian Harris has called for a resolution to the dispute with Sky Boat Gaming, emphasizing the urgency of reaching a fair agreement. Sky Boat Gaming has demanded a $125 million payoff, which has created a standoff between the two parties.
Harris has urged Sky Boat Gaming to reconsider its demand for a substantial payoff and instead accept a “fair exit deal” that would enable the tribe to proceed with the development. The delay in resolving the dispute is impacting not only the casino resort project but also the economic and quality-of-life benefits for the tribe’s people and the local community.
Economic Impact and Job Creation:
The Catawba Two Kings Casino project is expected to be a significant driver of economic growth in the region. Upon completion, it is set to create 2,600 permanent jobs, along with hundreds of construction jobs, providing a substantial boost to employment in the area. Furthermore, the project is anticipated to contribute tax revenue and other investments to local governments and the state of North Carolina, as stipulated in their compact.
Violation Notice and Trust Land Controversy:
The conflict between Catawba Nation and Sky Boat Gaming stems from a violation notice issued by the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC). The NIGC determined that the partnership between the two parties lacked the necessary management contracts. Sky Boat Gaming was responsible for securing trust land for the Catawba Nation; however, they acquired adjoining non-trust land for their own use, even building a parking lot on it. This violation has added complexity to the ongoing dispute.
Temporary Casino Operation:
While the Catawba Two Kings Casino project remains in limbo, a temporary casino has been operational on Interstate 85 in Kings Mountain for the past two years. The temporary facility boasts 1,000 gaming machines, offering a glimpse of the entertainment potential that the larger casino resort aims to provide once completed.
The dispute between the Catawba Nation and Sky Boat Gaming has cast uncertainty over the future of the Catawba Two Kings Casino project in Kings Mountain. The casino’s development and the economic benefits it promises to bring to the region are at stake, highlighting the urgency of resolving the conflict and moving forward with the ambitious venture. The successful resolution of this dispute is crucial for the realization of the project’s full potential and its positive impact on the local community and the state of North Carolina.