MGM National Harbor takes Maryland's first bet at new BetMGM sportsbook

MGM National Harbor has opened its BetMGM sportsbook on Thursday, more than six months after sports betting became legal in Maryland. The casino will be the state’s first to accept sports wagers.

After a controlled demonstration before regulatory officials, Governor Larry Hogan was joined by Washington Football Legend Joe Theismann and Prince George’s County Council Chair Calvin Hawkins to place the state’s first sports bet at the new BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge, at 12:30 p.m. Hogan placed a futures wager on the Washington Football Team to face the Baltimore Ravens in the 2022 Big Game. 

"Today marks the culmination of more than a year of effort to get sports betting up and running here in the State of Maryland," said Gov. Hogan. "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 National Harbor is also celebrating its five-year anniversary, having opened to the public on Dec. 8, 2016. Chris Gumiela, Vice President of BetMGM Marketing for MGM Resorts International, said “As we celebrate MGM National Harbor’s fifth anniversary, the addition of sports betting further strengthens our reputation as the DMV’s premier entertainment destination. We’re proud to provide our guests a one-of-a kind experience, while bringing more jobs and revenue to the state.”   

BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt said: “The BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge at MGM National Harbor is a key 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.”

The BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge is one of three staffed sports betting locations at MGM National Harbor which includes TAP Sports Bar (four kiosks; four betting windows) and the casino’s second level (7 kiosks; five betting windows). Additionally, the main casino floor houses nine betting kiosks conveniently located near FELT Bar & Lounge, Blossom Cocktail Lounge and the High Limit table games.

After over a year of effort to get sports betting up and running here in Maryland, today I cast the first bet at the grand opening of MGM National Harbor's @BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge.

Proud to bet on the @Ravens and @WashingtonNFL making it to the Super Bowl! pic.twitter.com/JKpajI0oai

— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) December 9, 2021

The state’s application review commission voted last month to license sports wagering at the Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore, Live! Casino and Hotel in Hanover, MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Hollywood Casino in Perryville and Ocean Downs Casino in Berlin. Horseshoe and Live! Casino both plan to launch their sportsbooks with ribbon-cutting ceremonies on Friday, providing they are granted the final state approval after two days of controlled demonstrations earlier this week. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US 🎉

Today we are celebrating our 5-year anniversary. We first opened our doors in December 2016, and we look forward to continuing our great partnership with this community for many, many years to come 🎊🥂 pic.twitter.com/0IyJaSl3es

— MGM National Harbor (@MGMNatlHarbor) December 8, 2021

Horseshoe will open sports wagering on Friday afternoon, following a ceremony scheduled to include Mayor Brandon Scott, Gov. Larry Hogan, former Ravens Torrey Smith and Adalius Thomas, and former Dunbar and NBA player Muggsy Bogues. Gov. Hogan will also be present at Live! Casino in Hanover, which announced that the ceremonial first bet at its FanDuel sportsbook will be made by former Ravens player Ed Reed.

The maximum allowable bet will be $5 million for any sporting event. That limit was a point of contention during the public comment period on the state’s proposed sports betting regulations. 

Maryland joins 28 states and D.C. to legalize sports betting. Voters approved it during the 2020 election and a bill was signed into law back in May. 

BetMGM sportsbook MGM National Harbor Maryland Opening