Detroit Casinos Report $104.63 Million in February Aggregate Revenue
According to the February revenues released by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”), the three Detroit casinos reported $104.63 million in monthly aggregate revenue in February. Table games and slots generated $104.76 million in revenue, and negative ($124,853) from retail sports betting.
The February market shares were:
- MGM, 47%
- MotorCity, 30%
- Hollywood Casino at Greektown, 23%
Monthly revenue for table games but slots decreased 0.2% when compared to February 2023 results increased 11.6% when compared to January 2024 results.
When compared with February 2023 monthly gaming revenue is as follows:
- MGM, $49.29. million, decrease of 1.6%
- MotorCity, $31.64 million, increase of 1.3%
- Hollywood Casino at Greektown, $28.83 million, increase of 0.6%
The three Detroit casinos paid $8.49 million in gaming taxes to the State of Michigan in February 2024, compared to $8.51 million for the
same month last year. The casinos also reported submitting $12.5 million in wagering taxes and development agreement payments to the City of Detroit in February 2024.
The three Detroit casinos reported $13.2 million in total sports betting handle and total gross receipts were negative ($120,142) for the month of February 2024. Retail sports betting qualified adjusted gross receipts (“QAGR”) reported for February were down by $583,605 when compared to the same time last year. Monthly QAGR were down by $625,073 million when compared to January 2024.
February QAGR by property were:
- MGM, negative ($121.207)
- MotorCity, negative ($133,311)
- Hollywood Casino at Greektown, $129,665
The three Detroit casinos reported submitting taxes on retail sports betting in the amounts of $4,901 to the State of Michigan, and $5,991 to the City of Detroit for February 2024, based on their retail sports betting revenue.
In addition to reporting revenue from the three Detroit casinos, the MGCB released revenue numbers from fantasy contest operators.
Fantasy contest operators reported total adjusted revenues of $1.1 million and paid taxes of $92,552 during January 2024.
Top revenue generators were:
- DraftKings, $673,336.31
- FanDuel, $268,549.90
Celebrating Women in Gaming
In honor of Women’s History Month for the month of March, the American Gaming Association (“AGA”) has posted a Webinar event on March 22, 2024 at 11:00 AM EST. The webinar is being hosted by African Americans in Gaming, featuring women representing the horse racing, casino, and lottery industries. Panelists will be sharing their experiences in the industry to inspire listeners and share knowledge they’ve learned along the way.
To register, follow this link.
Michigan Lottery Recognizes Problem Gambling Awareness Month in March
Michigan Lottery issued a press release announcing efforts to promote public awareness of problem gambling as part of Problem Gambling Awareness month. They are working to spotlight prevention, treatment, and recovery services that can be utilized in Michigan.
Lottery provides $1 million to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services each year to fund statewide problem gambling programs and provides services like self-exclusion periods, daily and weekly deposit limits, cool off periods, and more to enhance available resources.
MGCB Investigation of Flint Storefront Casino Leads to Two Arraigned on Multiple Felony Charges, Property Nuisance Complaint Filed by City of Flint
According to a press release issued by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”), following a joint investigation by the Michigan Department of Attorney General and MGCB, two individuals were recently arraigned on charges related to operating an illegal gambling operation in Flint, Michigan.
Linos Antonio Kas-Mikha, 52, of Grand Blanc, and Robert Jamerson, 55, of Saginaw, face multiple felony charges for running a gambling operation without a license, using computers for criminal activities, and maintaining a gambling house at Cellular Bank in Flint. This establishment featured 11 slot machines and 13 computers for online wagering from offsite locations. Both defendants were arraigned in the 67th District Court, with Kas-Mikha posting a $25,000 bond and Jamerson posting a $50,000 bond.
“Holding those who choose to break the law and run alleged illegal gambling operations accountable for their actions is paramount to ensuring the safety and integrity of our neighborhoods. By enforcing strict regulations and prosecuting offenders, we strive to maintain a gaming environment that is not only enjoyable, but also adheres to the principles of fairness, legality, and community safety,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said.
The investigation also targeted the owner of the several establishments. Abdulmunem Ghrer of Toledo, Ohio, owns the business located at 3301 Corunna Road and 4622 N. Saginaw Street both location in Flint, Michigan. Raids at both locations over the past two years resulted in the confiscation of standalone slot machines, computers, gambling devices and proceeds.
“Illegal gambling operations harm the public health and safety of our community by creating environments where bad actors can prey on vulnerable people. The City of Flint is seeking forfeiture of another building allegedly used for illegal gambling activity with the intent to return it to a positive use for Flint residents. I want to thank the Michigan Gaming Control Board for taking strong action to protect Flint residents from people who seek to profit from the pain of our community,” Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley said.
The MGCB encourages the public to report alleged illegal gambling by contacting the agency at 1-888-314-2682 or sending a message to MIGamblingTip@michigan.gov.
The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of The Potawatomi and FireKeepers Casino Hotel Announce Annual Contributions to the State of Michigan and Local Revenue Sharing Board
The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (“NHBP”), owners of FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek, Michigan, have announced significant contributions totaling over $300 million, demonstrating their continued support for the state and local community.
“Today’s contributions reaffirm NHBP’s dedication to fostering economic growth and prosperity within the State of Michigan and our Local Revenue Sharing Board. As stewards of our community, we take great pride in our ongoing partnership with the State and our local communities, a tangible example of our commitment to supporting vital initiatives that benefit our region,” stated Jamie Stuck, Tribal Council Chairperson for the NHBP.
Financial Contributions: In 2023, NHBP made payments exceeding $20.5 million to the State of Michigan and over $6.2 million to the FireKeepers Local Revenue Sharing Board (“FLRSB”). This brings NHBP’s total contributions to the state to over $235.3 million and $78.5 million to the FLRSB since the casino’s opening in 2009, totaling over $313.9 million.
Check Presentations: NHBP and FireKeepers presented two checks, one for $20,519,503 to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and another for $6,254,876 to FLRSB Chairperson, Deb Belles.
Job Growth: FireKeepers Casino Hotel expanded its employee base to 2,138 Team Members in 2023, reaching a record total labor and benefit costs of $107.6 million, an increase of 3.3% over 2022 and exceeding $1 billion since opening.
FLRSB Distributions: The check presented to FLRSB marks the fourteenth distribution since 2010, totaling $78.5 million. Beneficiaries include schools, road commissions, townships, counties, colleges, libraries, and school districts across Calhoun County and neighboring areas.
NHBP and FireKeepers Casino Hotel’s ongoing contributions highlight their dedication to economic growth, community prosperity, and support for educational initiatives and local businesses throughout Michigan.
Gun Lake Casino Launches $10 Million Project to Add Restaurant and Gaming Space
In a recent article, it was announced that Gun Lake Casino, of the Gun Lake Tribe, will begin to undergo construction next week on Monday March 18, 2024. The renovation, totaling $10 million, will bring a new restaurant, bar and lounge, and a new high-stakes gaming room.
According to the General Manager Jose Flores, the new restaurant, Lucky Dragon Noodle Bar, is “an exciting concept because it brings an element of dining and a variety of cuisine that we don’t currently have here at the facility.”
The new high-stakes gaming room will be adjacent to the restaurant and will offer features like Baccarat and a popular table game.
To accommodate for the renovations, located to the right of the casino’s south entrance, some table games, slots, and the grab-and-go food venue may be relocated. These interior renovations are occurring in tandem with the broader $300 million, phase five expansion.