This June, the third biggest casino in the United States will open. It’s called Maryland Live! and it’s a $500 million operation that includes a companion online play money casino.

On June 6, 2012 Cordish Companies in the U.S. will launch Maryland Live! a “gaming and entertainment destination” worth $500 million. It will be located in Hanover, Maryland at the Arundel Mills Mall and will feature some 3,200 table games and slot machines. Visitors to the new Maryland Live! casino will be able to enjoy real money roulette, blackjack, baccarat, poker and more. Slot providers include top names like Bally Technologies, WMS and IGT.

After Maryland Live! opens, Cordish Companies plans to add 1,500 more slot and other gaming machines to the casino.

In addition to being the 3rd largest casino in the United States (projected at completion) Maryland Live! is also the largest gaming property in the state, more than twice as big as any other.

While would-be players await this June 6 opening (at 10 pm ET), they can get a sampling of the Maryland Live! look and feel, at least, with the casino’s play money online casino, coming soon to myliveonlinecasino{dot}com. While no real money rewards will be granted at this site, players can win virtual credits good for confidence building as they practice they games they plan to enjoy once they walk through the doors of the new Maryland Live! live casino. This site is reported to be the first play-for-for online casino produced by the land-based gaming industry.