Legalized retail sports betting is now available to bettors at MGM National Harbor in Maryland after the first bet was placed by Governor Larry Hogan (playing the part of diplomatic politician, it was a futures wager on the Washington Football Team to face off against Baltimore Ravens).
The BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge – one of several spots where wagering will be allowed in the casino complex (there will also be a smaller TAP Sports Bar and kiosks and window around the casino floor) – will be 8,000 square feet, have a 110-foot-long wraparound screen, a 360-degree halo screen, stadium style seating with capacity for 350 spectators, seven betting windows, 17 betting kiosks, mobile food and drink ordering, and a DJ booth.
Governor Hogan struck a triumphant tone at the opening: “Today marks the culmination of more than a year of effort to get sports betting up and running here in the State of Maryland.
“In addition to allowing Marylanders to bet on football, basketball, and more, sports betting will also help to keep more dollars in-state and will provide another critical revenue source for public education without raising taxes on families and small businesses.”
MGM management struck a similar tone but, understandably, it was looking ahead to the business implications of the new sportsbook.
At the ceremony BetMGM’s CEO, Adam Greenblatt commented: “The BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge at MGM National Harbor is a bet component to making the Capital Region one of the country’s premier sports betting hubs. In partnership with the MGM National Harbor team, we’ve designed a world-class destination for sports fans.”
