The MGM National Harbor Casino celebrated its first anniversary last week, as the property continued to dominate the state’s market. While other casinos in the Baltimore-Washington corridor are now working to improve their competitive positions with hotels and other amenities, MGM officials and local politicians are reflecting on the success of the casino, opened December 8, 2016, for MGM as a corporation and for Prince George’s County, the host municipality.
It’s no doubt the benefits have been positive both for the operator and the community. MGM reported $2.2 billion in third-quarter revenue from its 14 domestic casinos. MGM National Harbor’s $179.6 million in third-quarter revenue put it fifth among MGM properties, MGM Resorts International technically no longer owns MGM National Harbor.
In its first year, MGM has become dominant among Maryland’s six casinos. According to a report in WTOP.com, casino officials say the MGM’s hotel has been at capacity 242 out of the 365 nights of its first year—a total of 6 million visitors. In November, the property generated $50.6 million in revenue, with the next-highest Maryland Live in nearby Anne Arundel County, at $43.4 million. Third was Horseshoe Casino Baltimore at $22.7 million.
Prince George’s County certainly has benefited from MGM National Harbor, which employs more than 3,700 people, 45 percent of which are Prince George’s County residents. The property is the leading taxpayer in the county.
Additionally, the traffic problems many predicted before MGM opened never materialized. “This was one of the first things that we addressed well prior to opening, working closely with Prince George’s County Police Department, the County Executive’s office and (developer) The Peterson Group,” Fisher said.
WTOP traffic reporter Bob Marbourg agreed, adding, “As more events and venues draw more visitors to National Harbor, the volume of traffic has certainly increased. However, after the opening of MGM when visitors learned the traffic patterns, entrances and exits, traffic has flowed rather smoothly.”
Patrick Fisher, executive director of hotel operations at MGM National Harbor, cited the wealth of non-gaming amenities as a major draw.
“We have a great theater with world-class acts, an amazing conservatory that gets changed out five times per year, 15 retail stores, 12 food and beverage outlets, a world-class hotel, spa and salon, so much to offer to anyone that’s coming and looking to be entertained,” Fisher told WTOP.
