Supplier News
US – MGM National Harbor helps Maryland to record-breaking December
By Phil - 9 January 2017
The opening of MGM National Harbor towards the end of the year ensured that Maryland’s six casinos generated a record-breaking month in December 2016, when GGR came in at $133,477,706m.
The previous revenue record was set in May 2016,when five casinos generated $104,351,219m.
MGM National Harbor in Prince George’s County was only partially open during the record breaking month having debuted on December 8.
It generated $41,934,028 from both slot machines and table games in just over three weeks. The average daily GGR per slot in December at MGM National Harbor was $313.59. Each table generated an average of $5,343.76 for banked table games and $1,508.57 for non-banked table games. MGM National Harbor operates 3,237 slots and 165 (126 banked and 39 non-banked) table games.
Bill Boasberg, General Manager of MGM National Harbor, said: “In a little over three weeks, our performance exceeded our expectations. Clearly the introduction of our $1.4bn resort grew the casino market and was received warmly by our customers.”
Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director Gordon Medenica added: “We anticipated that December would be a record-breaking month, and we are tremendously enthusiastic about the future of Maryland’s casino program. MGM National Harbor is an outstanding facility in an ideal location, and we are confident that its success will fuel the continued growth of revenue that supports vital state programs.”
The new casino generated $12.6m for the Maryland Education Trust Fund.
December saw another three casinos in Maryland; namely Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, Casino at Ocean Downs and Rocky Gap Casino post revenue increases.
Only Hollywood Casino Perryville and Maryland Live Casino posted decreases. Whilst posting a decrease compared to December’s totals last year, Maryland Live Casino remained the state’s biggest earner, totaling $48,032,057 from both slot machines and table games in December.
Horseshoe Casino Baltimore generated $29,749,282 whilst Hollywood Casino Perryville generated $6,094,963.
Mr Medenica added: “Given the intense spotlight on the opening of MGM National Harbor, the December numbers for Maryland’s other casinos are in line with our expectations, and we’re pleased to see the increases at Ocean Downs, Rocky Gap and especially Horseshoe. I am confident that as our casino program continues to evolve, each of the six casinos will establish its unique presence in the marketplace. We always anticipated the biggest impact would be on Maryland Live and Horseshoe, and for Horseshoe to have an up month was a real positive.”
Horseshoe General Manager Erin Chamberlin said; “We’re very pleased with our December results, particularly in light of the new competition within the marketplace. As we begin 2017, we’re confident we are well positioned to succeed as the business environment continues to evolve.”
