Headed to the new NC casino? Here's what to know before gambling becomes a problem Alexandra Karlinchak, The Charlotte Observer Jul. 2—Charlotteans no longer need to drive 165 miles for the nearest North Carolina casino, but the arrival of a new gambling facility could add to existing concerns over gambling addiction among adults in the state. The Rock Hill-based Catawba Indian Nation opened the first phase of its planned $273 million Two Kings Casino Resort on Thursday: a 500-slot machine facility in Kings Mountain, about 35 miles west of the Queen City. Up until now, the only gambling opportunities in North Carolina had been a state lottery, two Cherokee-owned casinos, and bingo halls and arcades scattered throughout the area.