MGM National Harbor is the big resort casino on the Potomac waterfront at 101 MGM National Avenue, just south of Washington, DC. It rates 4.4 from around 39,200 Google reviewers, the highest rating and by far the most reviews of any casino in Maryland.

It is an MGM Resorts property that opened on December 8, 2016. It is the Maryland casino most like a Las Vegas-style resort: a large gaming floor, a hotel, a theater, a long restaurant list and a 24-hour poker room, all under one roof.

Setting expectations

This is a destination, not a quick stop. Expect crowds on Friday and Saturday nights, a loud and busy floor, and a property that is designed to keep you on site for the whole evening. If you want a calm, small-room experience, one of the smaller Maryland casinos will feel more relaxed.

The upside is choice. There is a wide mix of games, a big sportsbook, plenty of places to eat, and a resort setting that works as a night out even if gambling is only part of the plan.

What's on the floor

Slots. A large slot floor with a broad mix of machines, from classic reels to the newest video slots, plus electronic table games. If you have a favorite game, this is the Maryland casino most likely to have it.

Tables. Blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat and the usual carnival-style poker games. Table minimums rise on busy nights, so check before you sit down.

Poker. The poker room is open around the clock. It spreads No-Limit Hold'em, Pot-Limit Omaha, Limit Hold'em and other Omaha variants, with daily tournaments.

Sports betting. The BetMGM Sportsbook and Lounge is an 8,000-square-foot space with a 110-foot wraparound screen, betting windows and self-service kiosks. It is a good place to watch a big game even if you are not betting.

Dining

  • Voltaggio Brothers Steak House — the property's steakhouse, from chefs Bryan and Michael Voltaggio.
  • Ginger — an Asian-inspired restaurant for a sit-down dinner.
  • TAP Sports Bar — a casual sports bar, handy for game days.
  • Diablo's Cantina — Mexican food and cocktails.
  • National Market — a food hall with options including Pappas crabcakes, pizza, sushi, barbecue and Vietnamese street food.
  • Shake Shack — burgers and shakes for a fast, casual meal.
  • FELT Bar and Lounge and Blossom Cocktail Lounge — for drinks.

Tips before you go

You must be 21 to gamble at MGM National Harbor.

Free self-parking is available on site, and there is valet if you want it. On busy nights, allow extra time to get in and out of the garage.

Eat early or off-peak. The best-known restaurants fill up on weekend evenings, and the food hall is the easiest fallback when a reservation is not available.

Join the MGM Rewards program before you start. Sign-up is quick and it is the loyalty program used across the property.

Set a budget before you walk in and treat it as the cost of the evening. The floor is built to be hard to leave.

Getting there

By car, National Harbor sits just off the Capital Beltway (I-495) on the Maryland side of the Potomac, about 10 miles from downtown Washington, DC. From Baltimore, expect a drive of roughly an hour depending on traffic.

Without a car, a rideshare is the simplest option from DC or Alexandria. A National Harbor water taxi also connects from Alexandria, Virginia, and other waterfront stops along the Potomac.

Who it suits

MGM National Harbor suits players who want the full resort experience: a big gaming floor, a serious poker room, a major sportsbook and a long list of places to eat. It works well for groups, date nights and visitors coming from the DC area.

It is a weaker fit if you want a quiet floor, low table limits at peak hours, or a short drive from the Baltimore side of the state. For a smaller, calmer room, the other Maryland casinos below are worth a look.

Nearby

Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland in Hanover is the closest other large casino, and Horseshoe Casino Baltimore is a bit further north in the city.

For every venue in the state, see all Maryland in-person casinos.

FAQ

Who owns MGM National Harbor?

MGM Resorts operates the property, which opened on December 8, 2016.

Does MGM National Harbor have a poker room?

Yes. The poker room runs cash games around the clock, with daily tournaments.

Does MGM National Harbor have a sportsbook?

Yes. The BetMGM Sportsbook and Lounge is on the property, with betting windows and self-service kiosks.

How old do you have to be to gamble at MGM National Harbor?

21, the same as every casino in Maryland.

Is parking free at MGM National Harbor?

Self-parking is free on site, and valet parking is also available.

Where is MGM National Harbor?

At 101 MGM National Avenue in Oxon Hill, on the Potomac waterfront at National Harbor, just outside Washington, DC.

Rather play from home? See our Maryland sweepstakes casino reviews.

Details checked against the venue's announcements and recent local reporting. Hours, restaurants and games change, so confirm before you go.