Detroit casinos report strong March revenue
Overview of Detroit’s Casino Revenue Trends for March 2025
Detroit’s commercial casino sector, encompassing MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown, generated an impressive $117.4 million in revenue for March 2025, as reported by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). This noteworthy figure reflects the vitality of the local gambling industry and its continued appeal to both residents and tourists.
Out of the total revenue, a significant $116.8 million was attributed to table games and slot machines, while retail sports betting contributed a modest $571,215. This diversification in revenue streams underscores the importance of both traditional gaming and emerging betting markets.
Market Share Distribution
- MGM Grand Detroit: 46%
- MotorCity Casino: 31%
- Hollywood Casino at Greektown: 23%
Comparative Performance and Monthly Recovery
Although March’s table game and slot revenue exhibited a 4.5% decline compared to March 2024, it marked a robust recovery with a 19.2% increase over February 2025. These fluctuations offer valuable insights into the industry’s seasonal trends. For the first quarter of 2025, total revenue from slots and table games experienced a slight dip of 1.2% year-over-year.
Breakdown of Revenue Performance – March 2025 vs. March 2024
- MGM Grand Detroit: $53.8 million (-5.1%)
- MotorCity Casino: $35.9 million (-6.4%)
- Hollywood Casino at Greektown: $27.1 million (-0.6%)
Tax Contributions to the State and Local Economy
In March 2025, the casinos contributed $9.5 million in state gaming taxes, which represents a slight decrease from $9.9 million in March 2024. Additionally, their payments to the City of Detroit through wagering taxes and development agreements totaled $13.9 million, demonstrating the significant role casinos play in local economic support.
Retail Sports Betting Performance
In the arena of retail sports betting, March revealed a downturn, with total handles reaching $12.1 million and gross receipts at $580,011. The Qualified Adjusted Gross Receipts (QAGR) faced a staggering 64.3% decline compared to March 2024, and a 30.0% drop from February 2025. Tax contributions from this sector included $21,592 in state taxes and $26,390 in local wagering taxes.
QAGR by Casino
- MGM Grand Detroit: $364,736
- MotorCity Casino: $138,458
- Hollywood Casino at Greektown: $68,022
Fantasy Sports Outlook
In February 2025, fantasy sports operators noted an adjusted revenue of $579,297, contributing $48,661 in state taxes. The revenue data highlights that while March indicated a rebound, the year-over-year decline, primarily in sports betting, points to the evolving dynamics within Detroit’s gambling landscape. The stakeholders in the industry must continue to adapt to shifting player preferences and broader market trends to ensure sustained growth and engagement.
As the gambling industry evolves, it is vital for operators and affiliates to remain agile, embracing innovation and strategic marketing to capture the attention of both seasoned gamblers and a new generation of players.
