As the Maryland public prepares to vote on proposed gambling legislation passed in August, the CEO of MGM Resorts International has been detailing ambitious proposals for an $800m development on the banks of the Potomac River.
Having spent an estimated $30m on advertising in support of the new legislation, MGM has revealed details of the luxurious 250-room hotel and casino in Maryland’s Prince George’s County.
CEO Jim Murren has also moved to reassure voters that the development would respect the environment. “There would be zero neon, and no marquee sign,” said Murren. “I want something elegant and white and understated and not something that is garish or flamboyant.”
The hotel and casino would include a 16 to 20-storey tower and would be the state’s sixth casino, in addition to three existing and two more that are already planned. Murren said the structure would be a modern contemporary tower and boast luxurious accommodation.
If the public ballot supports the legislation, the new casino could not open until mid-2016 but Murren said MGM would be looking to begin hiring an estimated 4,000 employees as early as 2014.
“We’ll have thousands of people applying for these 4,000 jobs,” said Murren, “and we want to make sure that we get the best candidates and as local as possible.”
