The billion MGM National Harbor casino is undergoing two controlled simulation tests which it must pass before being allowed to open on Thursday, December 8. A spokesperson for the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency said, “The controlled demonstrations are live gaming, just as you would find at any of our operational casinos. We have staff on hand to perform audits and reviews. Approval of the license to commence gaming operations is contingent on the successful completion of both controlled demonstrations.”
The first eight-hour test took place December 1, from 12 noon to 8 p.m. and the second will occur December 5, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
State gaming officials said the simulations test the “integrity” of MGM National Harbor’s slot machines and table game, to assure the games make accurate payouts and are compatible with the state’s casino monitoring systems.
The gaming agency spokesman noted if problems do occur during MGM National Harbor testing, the state “may require additional controlled demonstrations prior to issuing the operational license to MGM.” If the casino successfully passes the tests, the state will issue official operation licenses by December 6, the spokesman said.
Maryland’s five other casinos were subjected to similar tests, which showed no “large-scale or systematic failures.” However, the spokesman said, they did reveal procedural issues with staff training.
