‘A TREMENDOUS ADDITION’

MGM National Harbor sits on the eastern bank of the Potomac, in Prince George’s County, Md., near the National Harbor mixed-use development, an Atlantic Station-style mini-city developed by the Peterson Companies with a convention center that’s home to major events including the National Spelling Bee. The development draws 12 million local and tourist visits a year. A large Tanger outlet center with luxury shops is nearby.

MGM National Harbor only has 308 hotel rooms, not enough to satisfy the demand of casino visitors, which Creighton said will push guests to other hotels. Those guests will spend money in neighboring restaurants and shops, creating new sales for other businesses and tax revenue.

The owners of the Harborside Hotel a few blocks to the north embarked on a $10 million renovation and entered into a marketing arrangement with MGM. The hotel saw a swing in business from construction workers as MGM National Harbor was being built.

Monroe Harrison, director of public affairs at the nearby 2,000-room Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, said a casino nearby will bring another attraction and nightlife the area doesn’t have, and will help the Gaylord compete with convention centers in Chicago and other rival cities for major trade meetings and other events.

“They are a tremendous addition,” he said.