MGCB Honors Outgoing Chairperson Linda Forte’s Distinguished Service

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) has adopted a formal resolution recognizing and commending Linda Forte for her outstanding leadership and service as Board Chairperson from July 22, 2021, to April 8, 2025.

Appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Forte led the Board with integrity, decisiveness, and dedication during a pivotal period marked by the continued growth and regulation of Detroit casino gaming, internet gaming, and sports betting in the state. Her tenure strengthened oversight and helped ensure that Michigan’s gaming industries operate within a lawful, transparent, and consumer-focused framework.

The Board expressed deep appreciation for Forte’s contributions, noting her steadfast commitment to upholding Michigan’s gaming laws and protecting the interests of the public. Her leadership played a key role in advancing the responsible regulation of gaming under several key acts, including the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, and the Lawful Sports Betting Act.

Pictured at the MGCB Board Meeting on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, from left to right—Executive Director Henry Williams, Board Member Mark Evenson, Board Member Joni Thrower Davis, Board Chair Linda Forte, Board Member Andrew Palms, Board Member Deidre Lambert-Bounds, and Chief of Staff Kurt Steinkamp. Photo courtesy of the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

As part of the recognition for Linda’s invaluable contributions, MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams shared the following quote:

“Linda’s exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the mission of the Michigan Gaming Control Board have been instrumental in advancing our goals and shaping the future of our organization. Her dedication and vision have left a lasting impact, and we are deeply grateful for her service.”

“On behalf of the Board and the people of Michigan, we extend our sincerest gratitude to Linda Forte and wish her continued success and fulfillment in all future endeavors.“

Detroit Casinos Report $117.4 Million in March Revenue

Monthly Table Games, Slot Revenue, and Taxes

According to the March revenues released by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”), the three Detroit casinos reported $117.4 million in monthly aggregate revenue in March. Table games and slots generated $116.8 million and retail sports betting generated $571,512.

The December market shares were:

MGM, 46%
MotorCity, 31%
Hollywood Casino at Greektown, 23%

The casinos’ revenue for table games and slots decreased 4.5% when compared to March 2024. From Jan. 1 through March 31, the Detroit casino’s table games and slots revenue decreased by 1.2% compared to the same period last year.

The Detroit casinos paid $9.5 million in gaming taxes to the State of Michigan, and $13.9 million to the City of Detroit for March 2025, based on their retail sports betting revenue.

Monthly Retail Sports Betting Revenue, and Taxes

The three Detroit casinos reported $12.1 million in total retail sports betting handle and total gross receipts of $580,011 for the month of March. Retail sports betting qualified adjusted gross receipts (“QAGR”) were down by 64.3% when compared to March 2024.

March QAGR by casino was:

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

During March 2025, the casinos paid $21,592 in gaming taxes to the state and reported submitting $26,390 in wagering taxes to the City of Detroit based on their retail sports betting revenue.

Fantasy Contests

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 $579,297 and paid taxes of $48,661 during February 2025.

Top revenue generators were:

DraftKings, $450,724.82
Underdog Sports LLC, $103,902.10

Michigan Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Offshore Gambling Operators

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) has taken aggressive enforcement action in recent weeks, issuing cease-and-desist letters to 36 unlicensed offshore gambling websites found to be illegally targeting Michigan residents. These efforts are part of the Board’s ongoing initiative to uphold the integrity of Michigan’s regulated gaming industry and protect consumers from high-risk, unregulated gambling platforms.

Operators based in jurisdictions such as Belize, Curaçao, Costa Rica, and the Autonomous Island of Anjouan were found in violation of Michigan’s Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code. Many of the targeted websites—such as Lucky Tiger Casino, Aladdin’s Gold, SlotsRoom, and Captain Jack Casino—offered unauthorized online casino-style games, deceptive withdrawal policies, and insufficient consumer protections.

“These illegal operations pose significant risks to players, including financial exploitation, data security threats, and a lack of responsible gaming safeguards,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. “Our primary responsibility is to ensure that Michigan residents are safe from the dangers of unregulated gambling. These illegal sites put players at financial risk and fail to uphold the standards of fairness and security we demand in the state’s legal gaming industry, We remain committed to taking decisive action against unlicensed operators to preserve a fair and secure gaming environment in Michigan.”

The MGCB has given each entity 14 days to halt illegal operations or face further legal action in coordination with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.

Michigan residents are encouraged to verify the legitimacy of online gaming platforms through the MGCB’s official website at Michigan.gov/MGCB and report suspicious activity to the agency’s confidential tip line at 1-888-314-2682 or via email at MiGamblingTip@michigan.gov.

For more details, you can read the full press releases:

Caesars Windsor Workers Ratify Contract

Unionized employees at Caesars Windsor have ratified a new three-year collective agreement, with an overwhelming 83.3% approval from Unifor Local 444 members. The new contract runs through April 2028. The deal, reached just ahead of a potential strike, is being described by union leadership as the most financially rewarding contract since the casino opened.

The agreement includes:

A $4 hourly wage increase over three years ($2 in the first year, $1 in each of the following two years)
Increased pension contributions
A new retirement option offering $500/month at age 65 for three years, in addition to an existing plan available at age 60

Unifor Local 444 President James Stewart said the strong ratification vote reflects members’ satisfaction, adding that expectations were high and the bargaining team delivered. The union represents nearly 1,500 workers at Caesars Windsor, with roughly 1,250 participating in the vote.

Caesars Windsor President Kevin Laforet praised both parties for their “respectful and productive” negotiations, emphasizing the casino’s continued focus on guest experience and a robust 2025 entertainment lineup.

NCLGS Summer Meeting 2025 to Address Responsible Gaming Practices

The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (“NCLGS”) will host its Summer Meeting from July 9-12, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in Louisville, KY. As regulated gambling expands across the United States, this meeting will focus on responsible gambling and the importance of consumer protection.

The NCLGS Committee on Responsible Gaming will host a panel discussion on how education, technology, innovative research, and data-driven collaboration are shaping the future of responsible gambling. Attendees will gain exclusive insights into proactive measures and industry initiatives beyond current regulatory requirements.

Key panelists include:

Paul Buck, Founder and CEO, Epic Global Solutions
Lori Kalani, Chief Responsible Gaming Officer, DraftKings Inc.
Corrie Martinez, Responsible Gaming Manager, Colorado Division of Gaming
Kevin Winters, Founder, Almond Digital Health

The event also features:

A special forum titled “The Big Picture: Focus on the Future Gaming Leaders,” offering short educational “101 classes” for legislators and regulators
Two keynote speakers
11 committee panel discussions
Networking luncheons and receptions

The NCLGS meeting also partners with Gaming Laboratories International to host its Regulator Seminar on July 9.

Early-bird registration is available May 23 through this link to register now. There is a $150 registration savings available for those attending both the Summer Meeting in Louisville and the Winter Meeting in Puerto Rico, December 10-13.

For more details and to register, visit the NCLGS website.