The Catawba Nation's former Two Kings Casino development partner has filed a lawsuit against the tribe, seeking at least $125,000 in damages for alleged property violations and trespassing in North Carolina's Kings Mountain.

Kings Mountain Land Development Partners (KMLD), controlled by businessman Wallace Cheves, claims the tribe committed "repeated and blatant abuses," including unauthorized land grading, dirt removal, and easement violations on company-owned property.

The dispute stems from a complex history between the parties. In 2018, the Catawba Nation purchased 17 acres from KMLD for casino development. While the Department of Interior approved the land trust, the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) rejected the initial business arrangement, citing concerns about tribal benefits and Cheves' gambling industry background.

This led to the tribe severing ties with Cheves, paying him $40 million for an additional 9.4 acres and receiving easement rights for the casino development. The current lawsuit centers on the tribe's alleged misuse of these easement properties.

The Catawba Nation currently operates a temporary casino in Kings Mountain, with construction of the permanent $700 million facility underway since June 2023. The first phase, scheduled to open in early 2026, will feature:

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

Future expansion plans include increasing to 4,000 slots, 100 table games, and adding a 400-room hotel. Delaware North, which replaced Cheves as the tribe's partner, will operate the completed facility.

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