Thanks for the clarification. It was part of the news story on them completing the top of the hotel. They didn't compare it to any previous schedule. The newspaper (and I saw the same thing in more than on newspaper) said that opening would be in the 4th quarter.

Can you please confirm or deny that you will be associated with the MGM?

Because the answers so far could be read both ways.

I will be associated with MGM National Harbor.

It's after the 29th wug

Well... I have a trip planned to the DC area next week. I have unofficially accepted he Director of Poker Operations Position at MGM National Harbor. I won't have answers to the inevitable questions, but we will be moving forward with planning beginning Feb. 5.... See you soon!

Welcome!

So when will you be allowed to give answers to the inevitable questions?

It's really not an issue of permission... It's an issue of information. I have very limited info right now, and nine of it will be useful to this forum. All of you can feel free to post any questions you have, and I will answer when I can.

What is the estimated opening date for the poker room? How many tables do you expect to have?

1) eta on casino opening?
2) how are you going to combat the rumored $1M bad beat jackpot from MD Live on the day you open?

3) What made u jump ship to MGM NH?

4) how are you going to differentiate yourself from the other area poker rooms?
(ie: Horseshoe had a novel approach of 1/3 NL when the other poker rooms in the area were 1/2 NL)

5) Hire Greg 'Fossilman' :P
bonus points: as a dealer
double bonus points: dual rate him-> dealer/waitress

+1 to the above questions

Welcome Mr. Grooms! I'm curious how you view Maryland Live and Horseshoe Baltimore. Do you see them as direct competitors for your business or do you feel your geographic advantage for the DC and N. Virginia market renders them essentially inconsequential. In other words, do you have interest in trying to take market share from the player pool north of DC away from them?

What's your philosophy on what makes a great poker room? Superior promotions? Reasonable player friendly rake? Ammenities (huge TVs, comfortable chairs, etc.)? Do you feel it's more important to keep your regulars happy and coming back, or to try and attract new/casual players?

I'll do it for the right price, but if he wants me to wear one of those super-short skirts, the price is going to be a lot higher.

And if you don't tip really well, I'm going to spill a drink on you. ;-)

Thanks, Greg Raymer (FossilMan)

There is no specific date set. The previous posts are accurate in that we plan on opening in Q4 of 2016. The number of tables has yet to be determined.

1. See above.
2. TBD
3. Tremendous career opportunity.
4. TBD
5. Oh dear lord....

With such a pointed question about geography and Market, I suspect you have a good idea of our abilities and capabilities.

Service and action. Our biggest responsibility is to provide a comfortable secure atmosphere where all players need to worry about is playing poker. We all have chips, cards, tables, chairs, TVs etc.....

Welcome to the DC area poker community

Wish my poker reads were this good

Johnny's got jokes

Johnny, welcome to the DC region - you'll find this area vibrant and unique. In a few short years, the poker action has gone from little to robust, and the MGM will be a grand addition to the rooms in the area. With the proximity to the Hill, the lobbying world and the Reagan airport, you will have the opportunity to build an amazing clientele with celebrities playing with the grinders. As someone who goes to Vegas regularly and appreciates the Aria, it seems that MGM high command seeks to bring that Aria-like atmosphere to National Harbor. The Aria layout and design seems to be the basis for the build out of NatHarbor, so it is natural for one to be lead to think a similar buildout will be happening for the poker room. If you've seen the Aria poker room, you know it stands out in Vegas for its posh atmosphere, comfy seating and special rooms for the celeb/pros. The Aria's daily tournaments are also steady and popular from its moderate buy-in, reasonable long-play structure.
As you plunge into the role, it would be great to hear how the room shapes up and if MGM management has in mind an Aria-like feel and build, or something much different and distinctive to the DC backdrop. It also would be helpful to hear your thoughts on the striking the balance between cash and tournaments at NatHarbor - Maryland Live is definitely a cash heavy room while places like Delaware Park is skewed towards lower buy in tournaments.

Congrats on your new role and we in the DC poker world will be your best supporters as well as customers - thanks for making yourself available here now and into the future.

Heard a rumor there was a construction problem and it could be delayed to 2017 now? Any color on this?

Source?

His source is probably me earlier in this thread. I can confirm the rumor.

I'd be surprised if there was a new delay that hadn't been announced. It was only a couple weeks ago that they had the "tree topping" ceremony marking the last concrete being poured and announcing that they would be open in Q4. And up until yesterday they were answering questions on their FB page saying they would be open in Q4.

Which granted - means jack.

Random reg at MDL who heard it somewhere. Mentioned something about a foundation crack or something to that effect.

they built the complex on top of a flood plain.
but I'm shocked that problems arising this quickly (if true).

engineers are pretty good at solving known major problems.

it's the minor problems that they gloss over because they don't show up till after the 1yr warranty expires.
also, the unknowns that they cant account for.

Well with rock solid information like that...(pun intended)

When was the last time the Potomac got that high?