Detroit’s trio of commercial casinos pulled in $117.4 million in combined revenue this past March, according to figures released by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
While solid overall, the numbers reflect a slight year-on-year drop, with most of the downturn attributed to a softer performance in table games and slot machines.
Of the total figure, $116.8 million came from table games and slots which is a 4.5% decline compared to March 2024.
The state collected $9.5 million in gaming taxes from this segment, while the City of Detroit received $13.9 million in wagering taxes and development agreement payments.
Breakdown by casino
The market share among Detroit’s casinos remained steady, with MGM Grand Detroit maintaining the largest slice at 46%, followed by MotorCity Casino at 31%, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown with 23%.
Revenue shifts compared to March 2024 were:
- MGM Grand Detroit: $53.8 million (down 5.1%)
- MotorCity Casino: $35.9 million (down 6.4%)
- Hollywood Casino at Greektown: $27.1 million (down 0.6%)
Despite the year-over-year dip, March revenue was up significantly from February 2025, hinting at stronger monthly momentum as the spring season gets underway.
Retail sports betting takes a hit
Retail sports betting struggled in March, generating $571,215 in revenue from a total handle of $12.1 million.
That’s a steep 64.3% drop from March 2024 and a 30% dip compared to February of this year.
The casinos paid $21,592 in state gaming taxes on this segment and $26,390 in local wagering taxes.
Here’s how the sports betting revenue (qualified adjusted gross receipts) broke down by property:
- MGM Grand Detroit: $364,736
- MotorCity Casino: $138,458
- Hollywood Casino at Greektown: $68,022
Fantasy sports performance
Fantasy contest operators fared slightly better earlier in the year. For February 2025, they reported total adjusted revenues of $579,297 and contributed $48,661 in taxes.
Looking ahead
While Detroit’s casinos continue to be a substantial source of tax revenue for both the state and the city, the softer year-on-year numbers, particularly in sports betting, point toward the challenges facing traditional brick-and-mortar operators.
With the first quarter of 2025 closing 1.2% down from the same period last year, it will be interesting to see how the casinos adjust heading into the busy summer season.
