MGM Resorts said the MGM Grand National Harbor would “blow away” Donald Trump’s Washington DC hotel.
The MGM Grand National Harbor Casino must pass two “controlled demonstration” tests before the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency will allow the casino to open on December 8.
The tests are meant to prove the “integrity” of the slot machines and table games on the casino floor. In this case, integrity means the payouts must be legal, while the games are compatible with the state regulator’s casino monitoring systems.
Dates of the Tests
The first test is designed for Thursday, December 1st. The second test is planned for Monday, December 5th. In both cases, the casino is going to open for real money gamblers to play the games. Maryland regulators will monitor the gaming.
Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency
In a statement to the Maryland press, a Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency spokesman said, “The controlled demonstrations are live gaming, just as you would find at any of our operational casinos. We have staff on hand to perform audits and reviews.”
The MLGCA spokesman continued, “Approval of the license to commence gaming operations is contingent on the successful completion of both controlled demonstrations.”
Grand Opening on December 8
Though the licensing might still be in doubt 10 days before the MGM Grand National Harbor opens, regulators do not expect to see any issues. MGM Resorts operates some of the world’s most famous casinos, including the MGM Grand Las Vegas, Bellagio, and Mandalay Bay.
While Maryland gaming laws are different than those in Nevada, they are not so different that the management and staff at the MGM Grand National Harbor should have major issues. The two tests can be seen like dress rehearsals, allowing any issues to be fixed before the casino opens. That is why two controlled demonstrations are better than one, because any concerns can be addressed during the second dress researchal on December 5.
If the casino receives a clean bill of operational health, then the regulatory agency would receive certification of no “large-scale or systematic failures”.
Previous Controlled Demonstrations
In the controlled demostrations from the previous 5 casinos which were licensed in Maryland, they received approval without major incidents. Procedural issues with staff members were cited, which were addressed before the casinos opened.
Even if Maryland’s version of the MGM Grand did not receive approval and licensing after the two controlled demonstrations, it would receive additional chances. The agency said in its press release that it “may require additional controlled demonostrations prior to issuing the operational license (to MGM).”
With a multi-billion dollar business and hundreds of millions of dollars of tax revenues on the line, Maryland’s regulators would keep having demonstrations until the MGM Grand got the issues resolved.
MGM Grand National Harbour
The MGM Grand National Harbour is an integrated resort, meaning it is a hotel and casino which is the centerpiece of a restaurant and retail shopping area. The $1.2 billion complex also features a theater, convention area, and spa.
The seven restaurants at the MGM Grand National Harbor include Fish by Jose Andres, Voltaggio Brothers Steak House by Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, Bellagio Patisserie, Ginger (an Asian restaurant), National Market, Tap Sports Bar, and Marcus, a signature restaurant by celebrated chef and restauranteur, Marcus Samuelsson.
Exhibits outside the complex include works from artists, sculptors, and photographers. The list of talents contributing to the decorations include Charles Hinman, John Safer, Alice Aycock, Martha Jackson Jarvis, Liao Yibai, Margaret Boozer, Terry O’Neill, Chul Hyun Ahn, and Sam Gilliam. Even recent Nobel Prize winner Bob Dylan is contributing a metalwork sculpture to the scenery.
Update on MGM Grand National Harbor Grand Opening
The tests proved to be successful, so the casino had its grand opening on December 8. It is estimated that the casino drew over 100,000 customers over its first weekend in operation. Local residents complained the grand opening caused traffic jams. Officials had to shut down exits from the Beltway, because the crowded lanes were causing issues on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.
Traffic should slacken once the newness of the casino wears off. In the meantime, residents likely will find new routes around the traffic hub MGM Grand National Harbor represents now. Concerts might cause problems in the parts of Prince George County near the casino-resort. The first test for those concerns begins this weekend when legendary R&B group Boys II Men play on Thursday. In coming months, big time acts like Bruno Mars, Lionel Richie, and Cher are scheduled. With only 5000 parking spots at the casino, some are concerned about overflow.
