MGM National Harbor

MGM National Harbor is a 1.4 billion resort in National Harbor, Maryland. The resort opened on December 8, 2016, and is operated by MGM Resorts International.LocationMGM National Harbor is situated on 23 acres near Interstate 495 and north of National Harbor's waterfront district. It is located near the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and approximately from Washington, D.C.HistoryMGM Resorts International received a license in December 2013 to develop a 925 million resort in National Harbor. The company received the license after competing with bids from Penn National Gaming to develop a 700 million facility at its Rosecroft Raceway and Greenwood Racing to develop a 761 million facility near Maryland Route 210.Construction on MGM National Harbor began in April 2014, and opened on December 8, 2016. Doors officially opened after 10:30 p.m., 30 minutes ahead of the scheduled time. Within an hour, almost every seat on the gaming floor was filled.DesignThe white exterior of the building is in keeping with the marble used in many of the buildings in Washington DC. The organization of the casino is along a central axis, similar to the arrangement for the National Mall. The design was provided by HKS, Inc. while the architect of record for the project is SmithGroupJJR.Legal ActionsIn April 2015 the MGM casino was sued by a group of Prince George’s County businesses who claimed the casino didn't comply with minority-business contracting standards.