Governor Martin O'Malley promised to look to expand Maryland's array of gambling in the 2012 legislative session. The figure subsequently went up to an approved $1.2 billion. On December 20, 2013, MGM Resorts International was awarded the license to construct a $925 million casino resort in National Harbor.
The casino opened in 2011, complementing a facility which already featured live horse racing. A two-story Poker Room opened on August 28, 2013. Traditional live table games began operation on April 11, 2013. Phase II, with 1,550 additional machines, opened in September 2012. The first phase, with 3,200 slot machines and electronic table games, opened on June 6, 2012. The developer bought the entire existing resort in addition to building the casino. Construction began after receiving approval by the Board of Public Works. The license went to the remaining developer and was awarded in late April 2012. During the third round of bids, three developers submitted bids and licensing fees, two of which were rejected. The Maryland Lottery subsequently lowered the casino tax rate for this location and allowed a second round of bids for new proposals, however, no developers submitted any bids. First proposal was rejected due to failure by the developer to pay licensing fees. List of casinos Casinoīuilt on the grounds of Rocky Gap State Park.
