Detroit casino revenues drop 21% in September
Detroit’s three casinos continue to operate at 15 per cent capacity as part of Covid-19 measures.
US.- The Michigan Gaming Control Board has reported that Detroit casino revenues from slot machines and table games dropped 21.7 per cent year-on-year in September.
The total revenue generated by MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino Hotel and Greektown Casino-Hotel reached $87.9m, with an added $4.4m in adjusted gross receipts for sports betting.
The reduced revenues also impacted the state of Michigan’s tax receipt, which came to $7.3m, significantly less than the $9.1m it received in September 2019. Before the pandemic, the state relied on casino taxes to provide around 16 per cent of its general funds.
September was the first full month of operations for Detroit’s three casinos after they were forced to close on March 16 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
MotorCity and Greektown reopened on August 5, followed by MGM on August 7. Despite year-on-year decreases, September’s casino revenues represented a rise of 26.8 per cent on August’s.
With a 15 per cent capacity limit in place at the properties, the casinos are hoping the state will approve online gambling licences submitted in July. Michigan’s online gambling market could see $650m in annual revenue in its first year after launch in 2021.
