Inside Gaming: MGM National Harbor to Open; Big October for Nevada Casinos

A new installment of Inside Gaming tells of the much-anticipated opening of a new Maryland casino scheduled next week, reports on very positive revenue for Nevada casinos in October, shares news of a lawsuit filed by an Atlantic City casino owner who wants to “make New Jersey great again” (sound familiar?), and notes Caesars’ new plan to start charging for parking at its Las Vegas properties.

Maryland Readies for MGM National Harbor Grand Opening

It’s almost here. After years of planning and a longer-than-anticipated period of construction, the grand opening of the $1.4 billion MGM National Harbor casino and resort on the eastern shore of the Potomac River in Prince George’s County, Maryland finally arrives next Thursday, December 8.

It was back in 2012 that legislation was barely approved by the state’s lawmakers permitting the casino’s construction in Prince George’s. The property features a 23-story, 308-room hotel, a 135,000-square-foot casino floor, a 3,000-seat theater, seven restaurants, a spa, plus other retail and event space and a large 4,800-car parking garage.

Speaking of cars, local residents are bracing for the influx of vehicle traffic once the casino opens. As The Washington Post reports, estimates have suggested more than 20,000 daily visitors to the new casino, which could affect traffic flow in the surrounding area.

Transportation officials are confident, however, that the many preparations made for next week’s opening will minimize such problems. Indeed, more than $10 million in road improvements, including widening of roads and increased interstate access, were completed before the casino could be opened.

Meanwhile this week “controlled demonstration” tests are being administered by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency to ensure the integrity of both the slot machines and table games, reports NBC Washington. Upon the successful completion of the tests, the state will issue the casino an official license to operate on December 6.

With Maryland gaming revenues having been on the rise all year, the MGM National Harbor (an artist’s rendering of which appears above) will be the sixth casino operating in the state.

Check out the Washington Post’s earlier story for an overview of the MGM National Harbor and its many features.

Big October Helps Nevada Casinos Enjoy Revenue Gains

Revenue numbers from October were issued on Tuesday by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, showing an impressive increase of just over 11.1 …

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