KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. — Catawba Two Kings Casino in Cleveland County is under federal investigation after family members of two South Carolina politicians were linked to it.
Documents show the brother of Rep. James Clyburn and the husband of former Gov. Nikki Haley were given shares of Kings Mountain Equipment Supply LLC.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the former governor was not involved.
The casino project was approved during the Trump administration when Haley was the U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. The Wall Street Journal said Haley did not advocate for the casino project to the Trump administration.
The National Indian Gaming Commission confirmed that it’s investigating the situation.
For every dollar Two Kings makes through slot machines, Kings Mountain Equipment Supply profits 20 cents, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Clyburn’s brother worked with the Catawba Nation and was given shares, according to the Wall Street Journal’s report.
Clyburn’s office did not have a comment Monday. However, the Wall Street Journal reported Clyburn, the US House majority whip, did not know about his brother’s affairs.
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“I don’t care,” Clyburn said. “He gets to make a living. I don’t get his permission and I don’t give him mine.”
The assistant chief to Catawba Nation agreed to an interview with Channel 9 Monday afternoon but later canceled.
Instead, the group sent a statement that read, “To the extent that the NIGC has identified area of concern in its review, we have made corrections or are now actively engaged in resolving those concerns with them.”
Two Kings is currently housed in temporary trailers while the permanent casino and resort are being built. There’s no word yet on if the investigation will impact that construction.
Casino customer Richard Archer said this report won’t influence whether he continues to go to Two Kings.
“No, not at all,” Archer said. “I don’t think it’s got anything to do with the casino.”
(Watch past coverage below: You can now gamble at the new Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain)
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