Detroit casino March revenue report reveals year-on-year performance dip

Detroit’s trio of commercial casinos pulled in $117.4 million in combined revenue this past March, according to figures released by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

While solid overall, the numbers reflect a slight year-on-year drop, with most of the downturn attributed to a softer performance in table games and slot machines.

Of the total figure, $116.8 million came from table games and slots which is a 4.5% decline compared to March 2024.

The state collected $9.5 million in gaming taxes from this segment, while the City of Detroit received $13.9 million in wagering taxes and development agreement payments.

Breakdown by casino

The market share among Detroit’s casinos remained steady, with MGM Grand Detroit maintaining the largest slice at 46%, followed by MotorCity Casino at 31%, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown with 23%.

Revenue shifts compared to March 2024 were:

• MGM Grand Detroit: $53.8 million (down 5.1%)
• MotorCity Casino: $35.9 million (down 6.4%)
• Hollywood Casino at Greektown: $27.1 million (down 0.6%)

Despite the year-over-year dip, March revenue was up significantly from February 2025, hinting at stronger monthly momentum as the spring season gets underway.

Retail sports betting takes a hit

Retail sports betting struggled in March, generating $571,215 in revenue from a total handle of $12.1 million.

That’s a steep 64.3% drop from March 2024 and a 30% dip compared to February of this year.

The casinos paid $21,592 in state gaming taxes on this segment and $26,390 in local wagering taxes.

Here’s how the sports betting revenue (qualified adjusted gross receipts) broke down by property:

• MGM Grand Detroit: $364,736
• MotorCity Casino: $138,458
• Hollywood Casino at Greektown: $68,022

Fantasy sports performance

Fantasy contest operators fared slightly better earlier in the year. For February 2025, they reported total adjusted revenues of $579,297 and contributed $48,661 in taxes.

Looking ahead

While Detroit’s casinos continue to be a substantial source of tax revenue for both the state and the city, the softer year-on-year numbers, particularly in sports betting, point toward the challenges facing traditional brick-and-mortar operators.

With the first quarter of 2025 closing 1.2% down from the same period last year, it will be interesting to see how the casinos adjust heading into the busy summer season.

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