MGM National Harbor has announced that the decision to discontinue complimentary self-parking for individuals who are not members of MGM Rewards has been in the works for some time and is unrelated to the recent incidents of violence in the resort’s parking area.
Casino.org previously shared that starting Monday, July 13, MGM National Harbor will impose a fee of $15 per 24 hours for self-parking for those not enrolled in MGM Rewards. Members of MGM Rewards, which is free to join, will still enjoy free self-parking.
There were claims linking MGM’s new parking policy to a tragic road rage incident that occurred in the resort’s parking garage on June 25, marking the second fatal shooting at this location since 2024.
However, MGM clarified to Casino.org that the initiation of paid parking was planned prior to the recent violent events.
Upcoming Sphere Construction
A smaller version of the Las Vegas Sphere is on the horizon for MGM National Harbor, with plans for a 6,000-seat immersive venue to be built on an existing eight-acre location just northeast of the current casino resort. The Sphere National Harbor will be situated between MGM National Avenue and Monument Avenue.
MGM National Harbor stated that the introduction of parking fees is to guarantee adequate parking availability for guests, especially in light of the upcoming Sphere construction and other events that may affect the garage’s capacity.
This modification aims to ensure a seamless and dependable experience for our guests upon arrival, particularly during busy travel periods, significant events, and as nearby construction projects start to impact parking availability in our vicinity.”
Melonie Johnson, president and COO at MGM National Harbor
Construction for Sphere National Harbor is projected to kick off in early 2027. The project, which is backed by up to $200 million in state and local incentives, is being developed by billionaire James Dolan’s Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.
According to estimates from Ernst & Young (EY), Sphere National Harbor is expected to generate a $1.6 billion economic impact during its construction phase, along with an annual economic benefit of $1.3 billion thereafter. The venue is projected to create 1,250 permanent jobs and contribute $63 million in annual taxes to Prince George’s County. EY anticipates that over two million attendees will participate in events at Sphere National Harbor each year.
While Sphere National Harbor is still in the planning stages, the county has committed $40 million in bonds for a dedicated parking facility for the venue.
Impact on Competitors
Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland is MGM National Harbor’s chief competitor, although MGM has consistently dominated the state gaming market.
In 2025, MGM National Harbor reported a gross gaming revenue (GGR) of $823.2 million from its gaming machines and table games, making it the top performer in the state. Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland followed as the second-highest with a GGR of $711.5 million.
Live! offers both complimentary garage and surface parking, located approximately 30 air miles northeast of MGM, which translates to about an hour’s drive during peak traffic conditions.