MGM Resorts International Marks WORLD WATER DAY with $1 Million to Support ONE DROP

Funds support local and global programs that preserve clean water access

MONTREAL, March 23, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) marked WORLD WATER DAY with a pledge of $1 million to support the mission of ONE DROP, a global non-governmental organization that promotes global awareness of the central role of water. ONE DROP was initiated by Guy Laliberté, Founder of Cirque du Soleil, and is dedicated to fighting poverty through projects aimed at supporting access to water, and raising awareness of water-related issues.‬

"At MGM Resorts, environmental sustainability is a key pillar of our vision for social responsibility," said Jim Murren, the company's Chairman & CEO. "We are proud to be a leader in the stewardship of water and the environment in the communities in which we operate, and to join with ONE DROP in developing programs locally and globally that promote a comprehensive and strategic approach to water stewardship," Murren said.

Murren said the pledge would be made over five years and is in addition to the donation of ticket proceeds of Las Vegas-based Cirque du Soleil shows during "One Week for ONE DROP" in the week that coincides with WORLD WATER DAY.

"Today, MGM joins us to act in order to achieve my dream of safe water for all, today and tomorrow. Employees, artists, partners, and friends all come together this week and all year long to support ONE DROP and to act to protect water, one of the most precious resource on Earth," said Guy Laliberté, who also serves as President of ONE DROP. "I am touched to see that we can create a ripple effect. ONE DROP will continue to hold out a hand to the whole world to make this dream a reality, one drop at a time, one step at a time, for future generations," Laliberté added.

The United Nations WORLD WATER DAY is observed on March 22 to spotlight the importance of freshwater and the sustainable management of freshwater resources.‬ In addition, a senior MGM Resorts leader will become a member of the Board of Directors of ONE DROP to help guide the organization's work.

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About MGM Resorts International

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating a peerless portfolio of destination resort brands, including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. The Company has significant holdings in gaming, hospitality and entertainment, owns and operates 15 properties located in Nevada, Mississippi and Michigan, and has 50% investments in four other properties in Nevada, Illinois and Macau. One of those investments is CityCenter, an unprecedented resort destination on the Las Vegas Strip featuring its centerpiece ARIA Resort & Casino. Leveraging MGM Resorts' unmatched amenities, the M life loyalty program delivers one-of-a-kind experiences, insider privileges and personalized rewards for guests at the Company's renowned properties nationwide. Through its hospitality management subsidiary the Company holds a growing number of development and management agreements for casino and non-casino resort projects around the world. MGM Resorts International supports responsible gaming and has implemented the American Gaming Association's Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming at its gaming properties. The Company has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for its industry-leading Diversity Initiative, its community philanthropy programs and the Company's commitment to sustainable development and operations. For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at mgmresorts.com.

Statements in this release which are not historical facts are "forward looking" statements and "safe harbor statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and/or uncertainties, including risks and/or uncertainties as described in the company's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About Cirque du Soleil

From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is a major Québec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has 5,000 employees, including more than 1,300 artists from more than 50 different countries. Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to more than 100 million spectators in more than 300 cities in over forty countries on six continents. For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit cirquedusoleil.com.

About ONE DROP

ONE DROP - an initiative of Guy Laliberté, Founder of Cirque du Soleil - is a non-governmental organization established in 2007. ONE DROP fights poverty by supporting access to water and raising individual and community awareness of the need to mobilize so that safe water is accessible to all, in sufficient quantity, today and tomorrow. With its uniquely artistic approach, ONE DROP educates and implements site-specific safe water solutions while allocating microfinance loans to help ensure sustainable development. Worldwide, ONE DROP's ongoing creative projects also raise awareness about water-related issues and encourage smarter water practices. To learn more, visit ONEDROP.org.

MGM Resorts International: Yvette Monet Office [phone]; Cell [phone]; E-mail: [email protected]

ONE DROP: Marie-Eve Roy Office [phone], ext 7029, Cell [phone], [email protected]

Cirque du Soleil: Lou D'Angeli, Office: [phone], Cell [phone], [email protected]