MGM Mirage said Tuesday it has filed for a key state environmental permit for its $5 billion mega casino.
The company plans to build MGM Grand Atlantic City on 72 acres in the city's Inlet section.
The new casino will be next to the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, MGM's joint venture with Boyd Gaming Corp.
The project will consist of three hotel towers totaling 3,000 rooms, and the largest casino in the city with 5,000 slot machines, 200 table games.
The company hopes to break ground by the end of the year, with an opening date projected for 2012.
