Detroit casino revenue rises 18.8% month-on-month in March, but annual decline continues
Retail sports betting plunged 64.3% year-on-year as core gaming revenue dipped, despite local tax contributions holding steady.
Key points:
– Detroit casinos reported $117.4m in total revenue for March 2025
– Revenue from table games and slots rose 18.8% from February, but fell 4.5% year-on-year
– MGM Grand Detroit remained the market leader with a 46% share, despite a 5.1% year-on-year drop
Detroit’s three commercial casinos generated $117.4m in combined revenue for March 2025, according to figures released by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB).
While the result marks a significant 18.8% increase compared to February’s total of $98.8m, it also reflects a continued year-on-year decline, with table games and slot revenue falling 4.5% from March 2024.
This performance is consistent with broader trends observed throughout the first quarter, where core gaming revenue (table games and slots) declined by 1.2% from January to March 2025.
MGM Grand Detroit maintained its market-leading position in March, accounting for 46% of the city’s casino revenue. The property generated $53.8m from table games and slots – a 5.1% decrease compared to the same period in 2024.
MotorCity Casino followed with $35.9m, down 6.4%, while Hollywood Casino at Greektown saw a modest decline of 0.6% to $27.1m.
Collectively, the three properties contributed $9.5m in state gaming tax revenue and paid a further $13.9m to the City of Detroit in wagering taxes and development agreement payments.
Retail sports betting remained under pressure. Despite a handle of $12.1m, adjusted gross receipts across the three casinos fell 64.3% to $580,011. The figure also represents a 30% decline compared to February’s $815,600.
MGM Grand Detroit again led the segment with $364,736 in QAGR, followed by MotorCity with $138,458 and Hollywood Casino at Greektown at $68,022. The segment delivered $21,592 in state taxes and $26,390 to the city.
March’s results reflect a partial rebound from February’s 5.6% decline in total casino revenue. However, the sector continues to face structural challenges, including slowing foot traffic, lower discretionary spend and intensified competition from digital channels.
Regulators remain active, with the MGCB issuing cease-and-desist letters in early March to address illegal offshore activity. As operators prepare for the traditionally stronger second quarter, attention will turn to whether the sector can sustain momentum amid persistent economic headwinds.
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