Detroit's Commercial Casinos Now Allowing Up to 30% Capacity

Starting today, Detroit’s three commercial casinos can have up to 30% capacity.

The increase is mandated by the latest public health order from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity and Greektown are all eligible to raise their capacity to the 30% occupancy limit established by the State Fire Marshal or a local fire marshal.

The new state health order starts today and will last until April 19. Bars and restaurants can raise their capacity to 50%, up from 25% with a maximum of 100 people. The curfew for indoor dining is now pushed back an hour to 11 p.m. Masks and social distancing are still required across the state.

“As we continue our vaccine rollout and make steady progress against the virus, we are taking additional incremental steps to reengage to ensure we are protecting our families and front-line workers and saving lives,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement.

 “Michigan is a national leader in the fight against COVID-19, and our fact-based, data-driven approach will help our state rebuild our economy and resume normal day-to-day activities.”

Previously, Detroit’s commercial casinos were limited to 20 people per 1,000 square feet for areas with fixed seating. The maximum occupancy for each room was capped at 100.

The new 30% limit is twice as high as when the casinos reopened in August after the first shutdown from the coronavirus pandemic. In March, Whitmer shut down casinos, along with gyms, bars and theaters in Michigan. MotorCity, Greektown and MGM Detroit each reopened on Aug. 5.

The second shutdown came on Nov. 18 and lasted three weeks. Each of the casinos was eligible to reopen on Dec. 21 and have remained in operations ever since.

Online Gaming Booming for Michigan

Since Michigan’s online launch of mobile sports betting and internet casino gaming on Jan. 22, players have been able to wager from their mobile devices, providing an alternative method to bet while casinos operate with limited capacity.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board reported $115.2 million in sports betting handle from Jan. 22 through Jan. 31. Online casino revenue came in at $29.3 million during that span.