Detroit's Commercial Casinos Report $108.98m in April Revenue

For the first time in two years, Detroit’s three commercial casinos were open in the month of April. The casinos reported $108.98 million in monthly aggregate revenue last month, down 3.1% from the March total of $113.84 million. Last year the casinos were shut down in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic and didn't reopen until August.

Table games and slots generated $107.44 million in revenue while sports betting accounted for $1.54 million.

MGM Grand Detroit held the largest market share at 40% with MotorCity Casino at 37% and Greektown Casino at 23%. MGM recorded $43.2 million in revenue from table games and slots, while MotorCity reported $39.92 million and Greektown had $24.32 million.

Retail Sports Betting and Taxes

During April, the Detroit casinos paid $8.7 million in gaming taxes to the state and submitted $12.8 million in taxes and development agreement payments to the city of Detroit.

For the second straight month, the retail sports betting handle was around $24 million with the Detroit casinos reporting a handle of $24.3 million. Last month the handle came in at $24.2 million.

Total sports betting gross receipts were $1.5 million. MGM had the highest sports betting qualified adjusted gross receipts at $604,701, with Greektown second at $517,224 and MotorCity third at $420,605.

The casinos paid $58,308 in sports betting taxes to the state and $71,265 in retail sports wagering taxes to the city of Detroit.

In March, fantasy contest operators reported adjusted revenues of $889,532 while paying $74,721 in taxes. Through the end of March, fantasy contest operators have reported total aggregate adjusted revenues of $4.2 million and paid $355,472 in taxes.

Current COVID-19 Restrictions

In mid-April, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extended the latest order on COVID-19 restrictions. Bars and restaurants must still operate at 50% capacity up to 100 people and have an 11 p.m. curfew.

Casinos also can operate at 50% with up to 300 people. Groups of up to 25 people are allowed. Social distancing protocols must still be followed and customers must still wear masks.

Gov. Whitmer’s latest order will remain in effect until May 24.