In May 2025, the three casinos in Detroit reported a total revenue of $114.0 million. This marks a 1.2% increase from the same month last year and a 3.0% rise from April 2025, as reported by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
Table games and slot machines produced $112.7 million of the total revenue, while retail sports betting added $1.3 million. This solid performance marks a continuation of Detroit’s casino recovery after disruptions caused by the pandemic and labor disputes that influenced comparisons to the previous year.
The growth reflects broader trends in Michigan’s expanding gambling landscape, which now encompasses diverse platforms, ranging from traditional casinos to innovative online options like Coinpoker, which utilises blockchain technology to provide transparent and secure poker gaming. The variety of choices has helped sustain overall industry growth across different player demographics.
MGM Grand Detroit led revenue performance with $53.1 million, showing a 2.4% increase from May 2024. MotorCity Casino followed with $35.8 million in revenue, while Hollywood Casino at Greektown generated $23.8 million. All three properties showed positive year-over-year growth.
“The consistent month-over-month growth demonstrates the resilience of Detroit’s gaming market,” said Henry Williams, executive director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board. The casinos paid a total of $9.1 million in state gaming taxes in May, compared to $9.0 million in the same month last year.
Despite the overall positive performance, retail sports betting at Detroit casinos continues to face challenges from online competition. The $1.3 million in sports betting revenue represents a significant decline from previous years, as more bettors migrate to mobile platforms that offer convenience and expanded betting options.
Between January and May 2025, revenue from table games and slots saw a small decline of 0.2% when compared to the same timeframe in 2024. This suggests that, although some months experienced growth, the industry is still contending with persistent competitive pressures from online alternatives and other entertainment options.
The revenue figures exclude Michigan’s 23 tribal casinos, which operate under separate regulatory frameworks and report to federal rather than state authorities. The tribal gaming market represents a substantial additional portion of Michigan’s overall gambling economy.
MotorCity Casino’s sports betting operation particularly struggled in May, with the FanDuel Sportsbook location posting negative revenue due to large player payouts. This marks the third time in 2025 that the sportsbook paid out more to bettors than it collected in wagers.
Detroit’s casino market benefits from the city’s ongoing revitalization efforts and increased tourism, particularly around major sporting events and concerts. The casinos serve as anchor entertainment destinations in the downtown area, supporting broader economic development initiatives.
The casinos also contribute significantly to Detroit’s municipal budget through payments under development agreements. In May, the three properties submitted $13.6 million in combined wagering taxes and development payments to the City of Detroit, supporting essential municipal services and infrastructure projects.
Industry analysts note that Detroit’s casino performance remains closely tied to regional economic conditions and competition from neighboring states. Ohio’s proximity and expanding gambling options continue to influence cross-border gaming patterns among Michigan residents.
Looking ahead, the casinos will continue to face competition from Michigan’s robust online gambling market, which reported record revenues earlier this year. The facilities are adapting by enhancing their entertainment offerings and dining options to attract visitors seeking comprehensive entertainment experiences beyond gaming.
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