Although the state has not yet approved gambling there, MGM Resorts International has nonetheless announced plans to develop a destination resort casino at National Harbor, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., in Prince George's County, Md.
National Harbor, which occupies 350 acres at the foot of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, already is home to several hotels, stores and restaurants, as well as a marina that's anchored by the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. According to MGM and its local development partner, Peterson Companies, a planned casino there would include approximately 4,000 video lottery terminals and 250 table games, along with retail, dining and entertainment options, as well as a luxury hotel.
"The opportunity to build a destination casino resort in the National Harbor complex was extremely compelling," said James J. Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International, which operates the Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and Mirage resorts in Las Vegas. "We believe this ideal location will not only attract residents from Virginia and D.C., but will also serve as a new amenity for the more than 40 million domestic and international visitors who travel to the nation's capital each year."
The new casino-hotel project is contingent on passage of legislation permitting a casino license at National Harbor, a competitive tax rate that would allow for a world-class destination resort and approval of a state-wide referendum by Maryland voters.
"This is an exciting opportunity for the residents of Prince George's County and Maryland," said Prince George's County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III. "We remain hopeful that the people will have a chance to vote on bringing a high-quality resort casino that will create thousands of construction and full-time jobs and generate millions in additional revenue for Prince George's County and the state. Peterson Companies and MGM Resorts are to be commended for their willingness to invest in our vision of having the very best destination resort in the region right here in Prince George's County."