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On the same day the three Detroit casinos had their August revenue reported, it was announced that each received approval for their licensing over the next year.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) issued a release stating that the MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown passed a comprehensive review of their respective operations to secure another year of official licensing.
“Detroit’s commercial casinos are not only entertainment destinations but also major contributors to the city and state economies,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said in the release. “By renewing these licenses, the Board reaffirms its commitment to a gaming industry that promotes integrity, accountability, and community benefit. Our oversight helps ensure that patrons have a fair and responsible experience, while Michigan residents continue to see the economic value generated by casino revenues.”
When it comes to revenue from slots, table games, and poker at the three commercial casino locations, they tallied $105.7 million in August. That total is less than a percent down from July’s $106.0 million. It’s also down 4.6% from August 2024’s total of $110.8 million.
MGM Grand Detroit Continues to Lead the Way
The MGM Grand Detroit has been the measuring stick when it comes to Detroit casino revenue.
August was no different, as the MGM Grand Detroit reported $51.7 million, accounting for 48.9% of the monthly total. MotorCity Casino was next with $31.2 million (29.5%). Hollywood Casino at Greektown finished third with $22.8 million (21.6%)
The MGM Grand Detroit was the only one of the three casinos to see revenue growth from July to August. Through eight months, it is accounting for 47.6% of the revenue. The Detroit casinos have maintained their same positions throughout the year, with MGM Grand running away with the revenue race once again.
| Revenue Month | MGM Grand Detroit | MotorCity Casino | Hollywood Casino at Greektown |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | $49,925,772 | $30,592,016 | $21,781,805 |
| February | $46,378,286 | $28,442,610 | $23,192,832 |
| March | $53,783,772 | $35,903,031 | $27,097,549 |
| April | $51,116,375 | $33,060,828 | $25,270,444 |
| May | $53,149,398 | $33,914,138 | $25,667,421 |
| June | $48,435,173 | $30,627,064 | $21,317,307 |
| July | $50,828,470 | $31,565,481 | $23,581,774 |
| August | $51,714,224 | $31,188,139 | $22,773,744 |
| Total | $405,331,471 | $255,293,309 | $190,682,876 |
Detroit Casino Revenue Down in 2025
Sitting at $851.3 million in revenue for the year, the Detroit casinos are slightly below pace of 2024. At this point last year, the three casinos had generated $861.8 million. That’s a 1.2% decline.
Only the MGM Grand Detroit is on pace to outperform its revenue this year compared to 2024. The numbers listed below show the average monthly revenue for each casino through eight months, then multiplied by 12. It’s definitely not a perfect number, but gives us a sense of where these casinos could end up for 2025.
| Revenue Year | MGM Grand Detroit | MotorCity Casino | Hollywood Casino at Greektown |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | $619,241,406 | $489,673,215 | $335,185,164 |
| 2019 | $623,515,060 | $493,566,673 | $337,192,961 |
| 2020* | $257,124,313 | $222,677,684 | $140,583,030 |
| 2021* | $554,029,734 | $438,271,651 | $274,461,146 |
| 2022 | $599,997,956 | $396,520,768 | $260,456,017 |
| 2023 | $564,034,402 | $373,557,804 | $285,202,011 |
| 2024 | $603,718,175 | $385,873,666 | $292,863,964 |
| 2025 (pace) | $607,997,206 | $382,939,964 | $286,024,314 |
*Capacity limitations during the year due to pandemic
The MGM Grand Detroit is the only one of the three casinos that is also within reach of its pre-pandemic revenue numbers. In 2019, the MGM Grand Detroit hit a record of $623.5 million in yearly revenue from its slots and table games. It’s current pace of about $608 million would be its highest mark since then. That’s just 2.5% down.
MotorCity Casino hit $385.9 million in 2024. That’s 21.8% down from the $493.6 million record it had in 2019. Hollywood Casino at Greektown recorded $337.2 million in 2019. Last year, it reached $292.9 million, it’s best mark since the pandemic. That is still down 13.1%.
Total Casino Tax Revenue Still Setting Records
There’s no real signs that Detroit casino revenue will ever return to its pre-pandemic totals, but being able to approach $1.3 billion in yearly revenue is a good target.
With Michigan online casino revenue continuing to hit new heights, the combined gambling tax revenue the state is receiving is higher than ever.
In July, the Detroit casinos produced $21.2 million in total tax revenue for the state. Online casinos followed up with another $67.4 million. That $88.6 million total is miles ahead of anything the state received in 2019 when there wasn’t online casinos.
In the record year for Detroit casino revenue, 2019, the largest month of tax revenue during the year was $29.8 million in November.
Drew Ellis has experience covering the gambling industries in North America and around the world. Decades of media experience provide him with the background to handle the complexities of different gambling laws and policies around the United States and North America. Ellis has primarily focused on online and retail casino news since 2021. Prior to working in the gambling industry, Ellis spent over 20 years in the newspaper industry, covering sports and the gambling. His work for The Mt. Pleasant Morning Sun and The Oakland Press was recognized with awards by the Associated Press and other media organizations. Drew has also contributed to the Detroit Free Press and the Associated Press.