industry/LAND BASED GAMBLING

Parking at MGM National Harbor will no longer be free starting July 13.

Free parking at MGM National Harbor will end next week as the property transitions away from offering this service. MGM Rewards members will continue to enjoy the convenience of free self-parking in the 5,000-spot garage.

Written by Casino House Group Editorial Team

Published on July 7, 2026

Summary

Free parking at MGM National Harbor will end next week as the property transitions away from offering this service.
MGM Rewards members will continue to enjoy the convenience of free self-parking in the 5,000-spot garage.
Customers are divided; some criticize the measure, while others dismiss it, believing that signing up for the rewards program should be straightforward.

Starting July 13, 2026, MGM at the National Harbor will break from tradition by ceasing to offer free parking to guests and casino-goers. This marks the first time in over a decade that the property will charge for parking spaces.

MGM at the National Harbor ends decade-old free parking practice

Starting Monday, July 13, 2026, MGM National Harbor will introduce self-parking fees for non-members, while continuing to offer free self-parking for all MGM Rewards members. Joining MGM Rewards is free and offers perks like complimentary parking, exclusive discounts, special offers, and entertainment benefits, according to a statement from the property. Parking in the garage will cost $15, with the sole exception for those enrolled in MGM Rewards, the property's loyalty program. Members will still enjoy free parking, and newcomers are encouraged to join to take advantage of this perk. Many guests have remarked that free parking has been a significant draw to MGM at National Harbor, according to media reports. Some customers argue that they already pay for gambling and other amenities and question the added parking charge.

From "we pay for drinks" to "no big deal"

Online comments highlighted that drinks aren’t complimentary, but some argued that signing up for the MGM Rewards program shouldn’t prevent people from enjoying free parking. These casino programs are frequently targeted by hackers who steal consumer data, such as Social Security Numbers and personal and financial information like emails. One possible reason for stricter parking policies could be the fatal shootings that have occurred at the properties over recent years, including an incident on Thursday, June 25, where 33-year-old Christopher Austin Jr. was shot and killed by 36-year-old Tyrell Hairston, the suspected shooter.