Business & Tech

An MGM Casino at National Harbor? Maybe

Expanded table gaming could lead to new development at the National Harbor, reports the Washington Business Journal.

Could an MGM casino be headed to National Harbor?

Quite possibly, if MGM International CEO James Murran gets his way.

Murran told Washington Business Journal that if Question 7 passes in November his company may bid to build a casino in the National Harbor, a location Murran describes as ideal because of its sweeping views and proximity to three major airports.

MGM did not bid on a Maryland casino in 2007, citing the state’s 67 percent tax rate on gambling revenue and required state ownership of video lottery terminals (VLTs), reports Washington Business Journal.

However, if Question 7 passes, casinos would be permitted to own their own VLTs and the tax rate on table gambling revenue would drop to 25 percent.

Not everyone is keen on seeing a new casino built in Maryland. The battle over the ballot initiative has cost more than $40 million, according to the Washington Business Journal. The Journal said opponents include Rosecroft Raceway and Penn National Gambling which don’t want to lose gambling revenue to Maryland.

Read the full Washington Business Journal Article Here.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here