The Catawba Indian Nation faces a lawsuit from its former Two Kings Casino development partner over alleged property violations in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Kings Mountain Land Development Partners (KMLD) seeks damages of at least $125,000, citing unauthorized land use and trespassing issues.

The dispute stems from a 2018 land deal where the Catawba Nation purchased 17 acres from KMLD, controlled by businessman Wallace Cheves. While Cheves initially helped secure federal trust status for the casino project, the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) later rejected the business arrangement between the tribe and Cheves' Sky Boat Gaming, LLC, citing concerns over tribal benefit distribution and Cheves' gaming industry background.

Following the NIGC decision, the tribe paid Sky Boat a separation fee and purchased an additional 9.4 acres from Cheves for $40 million. The agreement included easement rights for casino development, which KMLD now claims the tribe has violated through unauthorized grading, dirt removal, and repeated trespassing.

The Two Kings Casino project, currently operating as a temporary facility since July 2021, plans a permanent resort opening in early 2026. The first phase will feature:

• 1,350 slot machines
• 12 live dealer table games
• A sportsbook
• A restaurant

Future expansion plans include:

• Increasing to 4,000+ slots and 100 tables
• Adding a 400-room hotel
• Additional dining venues

Delaware North, which replaced Cheves as the tribe's partner, will operate the $700 million facility upon completion.

The tribe has not yet responded to the civil complaint, and KMLD is pursuing a jury trial.

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