
The $48 million, 38,000 square foot second-level casino space recently opened at MGM National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland. President and Chief Operating Officer Melonie Johnson 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.”
Johnson added the expansion created 250 new jobs, bringing the total to 4,200. The $1.4 billion casino resort opened near Washington, D.C. in December 2016.
The property’s poker room moved to the new second level. It now offers seven more tables for a total of 46 with seating for 460 players. A new high-limit poker room features two tables.
A new off-track betting lounge, in partnership with the Maryland Jockey Club, founded in Annapolis in 1743, offers 24 screens.
Dining options include a fast-casual dining venue and the Terrace, featuring a 700 square foot overlook with stunning views National Harbor, the Maryland countryside and Virginia shores and sunsets over the Potomac River.
The largest contributor of taxes among Maryland’s six gambling operations, MGM National Harbor contributes the largest amount of taxes to Prince George’s County. Tax revenues are likely to increase since moving the poker operation to the second floor allows the casino to he expand first-floor offerings.
According to the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, in 2017, MGM National Harbor contributed more than $170 million to the state Education Trust Fund, and paid nearly $24 million in taxes for the month of May. MGM reported revenue of $59.3 million in June, up 18 percent over June 2017.
Also in Maryland, Live Hotel & Casino in Anne Arundel County, MGM National Harbor’s closest competitor, recently added a 310-room high-end hotel, event space, spa and restaurant. Live casino posted $48.2 million in revenue in June, up 15.1 percent increase over June 2017. And the Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore posted $22.8 million in revenue in June, up 2.2 percent over June 2017. Altogether, Maryland’s six casinos reported a 14.1 percent increase for June 2018 versus June 2017.