Connecticut | Litigation | Openings & Closings

Non-Indian firm set to open $1.4B casino outside of nation's capital

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Leo the Lion, the mascot of MGM Resorts International, poses in Washington, D.C. Photo by MGM In just a week's time, a massive gaming and entertainment facility will be open not far from the nation's capital.

The $1.4 billion MGM National Harbor debuts at 11pm on December 8. The facility includes 125,000 square-feet of gaming space, a 308-room hotel, a 3,000-seat venue, 50,000 square-feet of meeting space, 18,000 square-feet of retail, restaurants by several top chefs, a spa/salon and a pool.

The casino is located at the National Harbor in Maryland, less than 10 miles from the U.S. Capitol. It's the work of MGM Resorts International, a non-Indian firm that tried, unsuccessfully, to stop the Pamunkey Tribe in neighboring Virginia from securing federal recognition.

The firm is also building a $950 million commercial casino in Massachusetts. That facility is not far from the border with Connecticut, where the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe are pursuing a new casino.

MGM is hoping to stop those efforts with a lawsuit against the state of Connecticut. A federal judge dismissed the case but the firm is trying to revive it on appeal.

Oral arguments were heard by the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday, The New London Day reported.

Read More on the Story:
City prepared for MGM National Harbor impact (The Alexandria Times 12/1)
Concerns over traffic at soon-to-open MGM National Harbor (WUSA 11/30)
Mass. Gaming Commission gets private tour of rising MGM Springfield casino site (MassLive 12/1)
MGM makes its argument against third casino in Connecticut (The New London Day 12/1)

An Opinion:
Roger Chesley: Maryland will reap millions from Virginians with opening of MGM casino (The Virginian-Pilot 12/1)