In August, MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown collectively reported revenues of $106.9 million, according to the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). Although this marks a slight decline from July’s $107.0 million, it provides a snapshot into the current state of Detroit’s casino market. Table games and slot machines were the main contributors, generating $105.7 million, while retail sports betting added $1.2 million to the tally.
The year-over-year comparison reveals a more pronounced dip in the casino sector’s performance. Revenues from table games and slots fell by 4.6 percent compared to the same month last year, and there was a marginal decline of 0.3 percent from the previous month, July 2025. Examining the individual performance of each casino, MGM Grand Detroit maintained a strong position, commanding a 48 percent market share with earnings of $51.7 million. However, this represented a 4 percent decline year-over-year. Conversely, MotorCity Casino managed to increase its revenues by 1.4 percent, reaching $31.2 million and holding a 30 percent share of the market. Meanwhile, Hollywood Casino at Greektown saw a significant decline of 13 percent, bringing in $22.8 million and holding the remaining 22 percent market share.
These revenue figures translated into $8.6 million in gaming taxes paid by the casinos, a decrease from the $9 million paid during the same period in 2024. Furthermore, the casinos contributed $12.6 million in wagering taxes and development agreement payments to the City of Detroit. The financial contributions of these casinos are critical to city budgets and public projects, reflecting their economic importance beyond mere entertainment.
August’s combined retail sports betting handle for the three casinos stood at $6.8 million, with gross receipts of $1.2 million. Notably, the Qualified Adjusted Gross Receipts (QAGR) declined by 26.7 percent from the previous year but showed a robust increase of 20.2 percent from July 2025. This fluctuation demonstrates the volatility and potential of the sports betting sector, which generated $46,903 in state taxes alongside $57,326 in wagering taxes for the city.
Beyond gaming revenues, regulatory actions have also been a focal point for the MGCB. Recently, the board issued cease-and-desist orders to four unlicensed online casinos: Betty Wins, Orbit Spins, Pacific Spins Casino, and Yabby Casino. Operated by Tech Zone, a company registered offshore in the Union of Comoros, these platforms were found to be illegally targeting Michigan residents. This action underscores the MGCB’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of Michigan’s gaming industry. The authority’s vigilance ensures that operators comply with the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and pertinent sections of the Michigan Penal Code.
In the broader context, Detroit’s casino industry is navigating a complex landscape. The subtle revenue drop could be indicative of broader economic trends, including fluctuating consumer spending and increased competition from both legal and illegal gaming options. However, some industry insiders remain optimistic, suggesting that the current dip might be temporary. They point to seasonal variations and the evolving dynamics of the gaming market, emphasizing that strategic marketing and customer engagement could drive future growth.
On the other hand, some analysts caution that continuous regulatory challenges and market saturation could pose long-term setbacks. The rise of online gaming, both licensed and unlicensed, presents new challenges that traditional brick-and-mortar casinos must address to remain competitive. The situation calls for innovation and adaptation to technological advancements and changing consumer preferences.
The Detroit casino revenue report for August serves as a microcosm of the gaming industry’s current state—a mix of challenges and opportunities. As stakeholders navigate this landscape, the balance between regulation, market forces, and economic conditions will likely shape the future trajectory of Detroit’s casinos. The coming months will reveal whether the current dip is a brief downturn or a signal of more profound market shifts.
David Garato is a luminary in gaming journalism, renowned for peeling back the curtain on the gaming world with his witty and insightful commentary. A decade into weaving stories from the pixelated edges of indie games to the expansive universes of AAA titles, David’s work is a thrilling blend of analysis and adventure. When not writing, he’s live-streaming, sharing his gaming exploits with an engaged and growing audience. David doesn’t just write about games; he lives them, making him a trusted guide in the gaming community.
