MGM Resorts International has entered into an agreement with Peterson Companies to develop a destination casino resort in National Harbor, Maryland, US.

The 350-acre National Harbour site, which is close to Washington DC, is being developed by Peterson to include fine restaurants, retail, office and residential accommodation, along with a host of hotels.

“The opportunity to build a destination casino resort in the National Harbor complex was extremely compelling,” said James Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International. “We believe this ideal location will not only attract residents from Virginia and DC, but will also serve as a new amenity for the more than 40 million domestic and international visitors who travel to the Nation’s Capital each year.”

The resort casino is expected to include 4,000 VLTS and 250 table games, as well as a luxury hotel and other entertainment attractions. The project depends, however, on the Maryland Legislature passing legislation permitting a sixth casino licence for National Harbor, a “competitive” tax rate and approval of a statewide referendum.