MGM National Harbor Opens Outdoor Gaming Terrace With Slots

MGM National Harbor is set for some outside casino play.

The casino, which is across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., and with panoramic views of Northern Virginia, has debuted an outdoor gaming terrace where guests can enjoy slot games in a unique setting.

The one-floor terrace, open 24 hours a day, includes 41 of the casino’s most-popular slot games, including Dancing Drums, Buffalos, and 88 Fortunes.

“We are excited to open one of the country’s most unique gaming settings,” Alex Alvarado, vice president of casino operations at MGM National Harbor, said in a news release. “Our guests will love the ability to take their casino experience outside where they can enjoy a cocktail and fabulous views of the region.”

The new 2,500-square-foot terrace that opened last week complements some of the main MGM National Harbor features:

• A 125,000-square-foot casino floor with more than 120 table games, 3,300 premium slot machines, a high-limit gaming room and a Baccarat pit.
• A Poker Room with 46 tables including 10 exclusive high-limit games.
• A 1,500-square-foot simulcast race book facility is 24-screen off-track betting lounge created in partnership with The Maryland Jockey Club and features 21 carrels for guests.
• Smoking is permitted on the outdoor gaming terrace and its entrance is located adjacent to the M life desk.

March was Big for Maryland Casinos

MGM National Harbor is one of Maryland’s six commercial casinos. In March, MGM led the way in total revenue (slot machines plus table games) for March with $66.5 million, part of a record month for the state.

The casinos combined to set a single-month record in the state with $169.2 million in revenue in March as coronavirus-related capacity restrictions began to ease or disappear. The casinos contributed $71 million to the state in March, with $51.6 million for the Education Trust Fund.

In addition to the casino revenue news in March, sports betting, both retail and online, is headed to Maryland. The Maryland legislature approved legislation legalizing sports betting before the session ended on April 12. It has been sent to Gov. Larry Hogan for his signature.

Casinos will be in line to add retail sportsbooks before online and they hope to launch them before the NFL season in September.