The US-based Cordish Companies unveiled the first phase of its latest project - the $500m Maryland Live! Casino - in June.

Located in Anne Arundel County, the property is one of the largest construction projects ever undertaken in the state of Maryland. Once fully open in October, the property will employ 1,500 people and is expected to generate in excess of $400m in tax revenue annually.

Phase one of the project opened with approximately 3,200 slot machines and electronic table games and drew visitors in their thousands. Cordish Companies chairman David Cordish and managing partner Joseph Weinberg were joined at a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the casino’s president and general manager, Robert Norton, as well as Anne Arundel County executive John Leopold and Maryland State Lottery Agency director Stephen Martino.

“Maryland Live! Casino is a world-class gaming, dining and entertainment destination,” said Weinberg. “All you have to do is walk through the doors to realise that we have created a very special experience here for our guests.

“Our goal is to give our customers a ‘wow’ experience every time they visit the property.”

When combined with the neighbouring 1.2 million sq.ft Arundel Mills Mall, the casino represents one of the largest entertainment venues in the whole of the US. By the end of this year, the gaming floor will have a total of 4,750 slots and electronic table games.