On Monday MGM Resorts International started its controversial paid parking system at some of its gaming properties. According to the information provided by the operator, self-parking will be charged for vehicles that park for more than an hour, whereas until the end of the year the service will be free of charge for visitors that have a valid Nevada driver’s license. During special events, however, even the latter will have to cover parking fees. Valet parking services will also be charged.

The prices vary depending on the property and the time spent at the facility. For example, visitors at the Bellagio, Aria, Mandalay Bay, Mirage and New York-New York will have to pay $7 for a stay between one and four hours and $10 for a stay from four to 24 hours. Each additional day will cost them another $10. The Monte Carlo, Luxor and the Excalibur properties come with a bit cheaper parking charges of $5 (1-4 hours) and $8 (4-24 hours + each additional day). Valet parking prices range from $8 to $18.

The start of the new parking program has received mostly negative reactions from customers who were either bewildered or angry. One of the guests, Frank Murphy, said that the company was making “a big mistake” and predicted that the operator was going to lose a lot of business. Trying to highlight his disapproval, Murphy and his wife left the Aria gaming property in their car commenting that MGM Resorts has lost them as customers.

The operator announced that aside from Monte Carlo, New York-New York, Vdara and Aria that have already started charging for parking, the paid parking system will start at Luxor, Circus Circus and Excalibur on Tuesday; Wednesday is the day set for Mandalay Bay’s visitors to start paying for the service. The Mirage and The Delano will begin this practice on 13th of June.

No other operators have showed interest in charging parking to customers so far.