MGM Offers Up Blueprint For Mega-Maryland Casino Resort
Maryland has gone full speed ahead since they opened up their casino gambling market a few years back. This week, possibly the biggest addition to that market was unveiled when MGM Resorts International offered up the blueprint for a new casino resort in the state.
The proposed resort would feature a seven-story parking garage, an 18-story hotel, restaurants, shops, and of course, a 3,000 slot machine casino floor. Table games will also be included. The resort, if approved, would open sometime in 2016.
MGM is not alone in wanting to bring the state its sixth casino. Greenwood Racing, the owner of the Parx Casino in Philadelphia, and Penn National Gaming, which owns many top casinos in the US, are also in the running for the gaming license. Although MGM revealed their base plans this week, they have sheltered other parts of the proposal.
"When you're in a poker game, you don't show all your cards," said MGM CEO Jim Murren, why indicating that a full blueprint for the proposed resort would come around October 21st, when the company will get their chance to pitch their plan to the Maryland Gaming Commission.
Maryland has been one of the fast-movers when it comes to casino expansion in the past decade. The state, however, has remained committed to ensuring that residents are protected. Maryland is considered to have one of the most aggressive and successful treatment and prevention programs in the US when dealing with problem gambling.
Murren has expressed his thoughts that an MGM casino would be a game-changer for Maryland. The company operates casinos in gambling mecca Las Vegas, but understands that Maryland residents may be searching for something different in their gaming facility.
"What makes sense in Las Vegas does not necessarily make sense in your state," said Murren. "We know that."
The state is taking its time in deciding who will get the Prince George County gaming license. The gaming commission has been collecting data, and will continue to do so until they hold individual meetings with each potential developer. At that time, in late October, a series of public hearings will be held for residents to ask questions. At the end of the process, a decision will be made. Officials are hoping to grant the gaming license before the end of the year.