Detroit Casino Revenue Falls 3% Year-on-Year in September

Detroit’s three commercial casinos have recorded $98.9 million in revenue for September, down from the previous year’s $101.2 million and representing a year-on-year drop of 3%, according to figures published by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB).  

MGM Grand Detroit had the largest market share, accounting for 47% of the market and generating $45.9 million in revenue. However, this still represented a decline of 3.8% from September 2024. MotorCity Casino was next, with 30% of the market, generating $28.9 million, down by 7.2% year-over-year. Hollywood Casino at Greektown saw a 4.5% increase to $23.4 million.

In total, the casinos contributed $16.1 million in taxes and other payments to the City of Detroit. The state gaming tax generated $8.0 million in September, down from $8.2 million in 2024. It's not surprising to see the dips as the Michigan online casino continues to develop.

One area that has shown promise is retail Michigan sports betting, which saw a gross handle of $13.5 million in September. However, the qualified adjusted gross receipts (QAGR), which account for the revenue after payouts, dropped by 1.1% from September 2024 and a notable 39.8% from August 2025. 

MGM Grand Detroit led the pack in QAGR, bringing in $394,500, while MotorCity Casino followed with $589,142. While it was the only casino to see gains for slot and table revenue in September, the Hollywood Casino, on the other hand, faced a loss of $236,217.

The falling revenue numbers have raised concerns about the health of the Detroit gambling sector, with both table game and slot revenue apparently in decline. 

Michigan warns against sports event contracts

In a separate development, the MGCB warned gambling operators about their involvement in sports event contracts, a controversial form of sports betting that involves prediction markets. The MGCB cautioned that any association with these prediction markets could jeopardize a company’s gaming license in Michigan.

MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams made it clear that the state would not tolerate any participation, either directly or indirectly, in offering sports event contracts. The warning applies broadly to various gaming entities, including commercial casinos, Internet gaming operators, sports betting providers, and fantasy contest operators.

The MGCB has taken decisive action to secure its regulatory boundaries, recently issuing cease-and-desist orders to 14 unlicensed casinos and blocking the Bovada offshore sportsbook in 2024. This latest action against sports events contracts is part of the board’s ongoing efforts to maintain a tightly regulated gaming market in Michigan.

While some licensed operators in the state have discussed entering the sports event contracts space, the MGCB’s message is clear: any involvement in these unlicensed prediction markets could have serious consequences for their standing in Michigan’s gaming industry.