Operator News
US – MGM National Harbor adds 285 slots, poker room and off-track betting
By Phil - 16 July 2018
Maryland’s biggest casino, MGM National Harbor, has expanded after less than two years of operation due to higher-than-anticipated demand.
The venue has opened a $48m expansion which includes a new, second-floor poker room, off-track horse betting offered in partnership with the Maryland Jockey Club, 285 extra slot machines and a terrace area overlooking the Potomac River.
Melonie Johnson, President and Chief Operating Officer of MGM National Harbor, said: “It’s a great result when positive customer demand drives a business to expand its offerings. This year, we have set new casino revenue marks. Expanding our gaming offerings will help us meet the desire of our customers for more luxury gaming entertainment space while welcoming new players to the resort as well. Most importantly, we are providing 250 additional jobs and additional tax revenues to Prince George’s County and the State of Maryland.”
The MGM National Harbor Poker Room has been relocated to the second level, increasing it by seven tables to a total of 46, with seating for 460 players. The space also features a two-table high-limit poker room. The second level now offers a 24-screen off-track betting lounge created in partnership with The Maryland Jockey Club, founded in Annapolis in 1743.
From the 700-square-foot overlook, visitors can enjoy beautiful views of National Harbor, the Maryland countryside and Virginia shores. By night, it is a prime spot to watch the sun set over the Potomac River and also serves as a public smoking area.
The expansion follows on the back of MGM’s nearest rival, the Live Hotel and Casino in Arundel County, recently opening a 310-room hotel, two new restaurants, a luxury day Spa and Salon, a 4,000-seat Event Center, and Club 21, the only private gaming area in a hotel in Maryland.
“Entry into the hotel market is an important development for the Live! brand, expanding our footprint from entertainment districts to full-blown destinations,” said David Cordish, Chairman of The Cordish Companies. “What we are offering now is a combination of gaming, entertainment, dining, retail, and luxury accommodations that no one else can touch. Today, the Live! brand has truly arrived.”
MGM National Harbor generates the largest slice of Maryland’s casino revenue, generating $59.3m last month, an 18.3 per cent jump from June 2017. Live! Casino & Hotel accounted for $48.2m, up 15.1 per cent.
Caption: GM National Harbor President Melonie Johnson commemorates the opening of the second-level casino space with a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside Max Fisher, chief financial officer, and Obie Patterson, Prince George’s county councilman – district 8.
