Michigan Gaming Control Board Announces Significant Impact, Revenue Contributions to State Funds in 2024
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) has once again demonstrated its significant role in supporting Michigan’s economy and public services. In 2024, the MGCB generated more than $501.4 million for the state’s School Aid Fund, which directly supports K-12 public education. This total comes from a combination of casino wagering taxes, online gaming taxes, and other revenue sources. Of the total, $100.5 million was from casino wagering taxes, including table games, slot machines, and retail sportsbooks, while $400.9 million came from online gaming taxes, including iGaming, internet sports betting, and fantasy contests.
In addition to education, the MGCB made several other important contributions:
- $4 million to the First Responder Presumed Coverage Fund to support public safety workers
- $3 million to the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund for responsible gaming efforts
- $3.7 million to the Agriculture Equine Industry Development Fund, which supports Michigan’s agricultural and equine industries
- $3.75 million to the state’s Emmy Award-winning “Don’t Regret the Bet” marketing campaign, aimed at promoting responsible gaming education across Michigan
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams expressed pride in the board’s impact, stating, “As we look back on another successful year, I am proud of the significant impact the Michigan Gaming Control Board continues to have on our state and its residents. From supporting education and first responders to tackling illegal gambling, the MGCB remains steadfast in its mission to protect consumers and enhance the public good.”
In 2024, Detroit’s commercial casinos contributed $264.8 million in city wagering taxes, bringing total payments to the city to $3.91 billion since 1999. Additionally, Millionaire Parties in Michigan raised $5.35 million in profit for charities between November 2023 and November 2024.
The MGCB has also made strides in combating illegal gambling. With the help of Michigan citizens, the agency removed 206 illegal machines and issued six cease-and-desist letters. This commitment to maintaining a fair gaming environment has earned the MGCB national recognition, with the agency being the first in the U.S. to issue a cease-and-desist letter to Bovada, which complied.
In recognition of these efforts, Henry Williams was honored as the 2024 American Gambling Awards Regulator of the Year in November. He emphasized, “Our success this year reflects the dedication and hard work of our team, as well as the trust and collaboration of the communities we serve. We are committed to ensuring that Michigan’s gaming industry continues to thrive in a responsible and sustainable manner.”
For more information on the MGCB, Millionaire Parties, or responsible gambling, visit Michigan.gov/MGCB or DontRegretTheBet.org. To report illegal gambling, call 1-888-314-2682 or email MIGamblingTip@michigan.gov.
Michigan iGaming, Sports Betting Operators Report $284.3 Million in November Revenue
As reported by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”), Michigan commercial and tribal internet gaming (“iGaming”) and sports betting operators reported a combined $284.3 million total gross receipts in November. November receipts increased 12.1% when compared to last month’s results.
November iGaming gross receipts were $226.0 million, highest to date. Gross sports betting receipts totaled $58.3 million in November. In October 2024, iGaming gross receipts were $220.7 million and gross sports betting receipts were $33.0 million.
The combined total adjusted gross receipts of $240.4 million were reported for November, including $203.3 million from iGaming and $37.1 million from internet sports betting – representing an iGaming increase of 2.4% and an increase of $27.2 million for sports betting when compared to October 2024.
The total November internet sports betting handle was $650.2 million, an increase of 16.0% from the $560.4 million result in October 2024.
The operators delivered $44.4 million in taxes and payments to the State of Michigan during November, with iGaming taxes and fees contributing $42.5 million and internet sports betting taxes and fees contributing $1.9 million.
The three Detroit Casinos – MotorCity Casino, MGM Grand Detroit, and Greektown Casino – reported city wagering taxes and municipal service fees of $11.2 million, with iGaming taxes and fees contributing $10.6 million and internet sports betting taxes and fees contributing $564,069 for the month of November.
Tribal operators reported making total payments of $5.2 million of wagering payments to the tribes’ governing bodies in November according to the MGCB.
An online gaming and sports betting revenue distribution table is available on the agency’s website.
As of November, a total of 15 commercial and tribal operators have been authorized to launch iGaming and/or internet sports betting. Currently, 12 commercial and tribal operators offer internet sports betting, and 15 operators offer iGaming. Details for each operator’s internet gaming and internet sports betting results are available and published on the MGCB website.
Detroit Casinos Report $108.35 Million in November Revenue
According to the November revenues released by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”), the three Detroit casinos reported $108.35 million in monthly aggregate revenue in November. Table games and slots generated $106.44 million, and retail sports betting generated $1.91 million.
The November market shares were:
- MGM, 46%
- MotorCity, 31%
- Hollywood Casino at Greektown, 23%
The three Detroit casinos paid $8.6 million in gaming taxes to the State of Michigan. The casinos also reported submitting $13.2 million in wagering taxes and development agreement payments to the City of Detroit in November 2024.
The three Detroit casinos reported $20.99 million in total sports betting handle and total gross receipts were $1.9 million for the month of November 2024.
November QAGR by property were:
- MGM, $457,409
- MotorCity, $571,059
- Hollywood Casino at Greektown, $886,249
The three Detroit casinos submitted taxes on retail sports betting in the amounts of $72,376 to the State of Michigan, and $88,460 to the City of Detroit for November 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 $991,881 and paid taxes of $83,318 during October 2024.
Top revenue generators were:
- DraftKings, $686,150.16
- FanDuel, $224,460.67
The Pokagon Band and Four Winds Casinos Donate 1,000 Christmas Food Boxes to Those in Need
The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and Four Winds® Casinos have donated 1,000 food boxes to families in need this Christmas. Each food box includes a smoked ham, stuffing mix, mashed potatoes, canned corn, cranberry sauce, and a pumpkin pie. These donations will be distributed through several organizations in Indiana and Michigan, with 200 boxes handed out today at the Food Bank of Northern Indiana in South Bend.
Other recipient organizations include Feeding America Indiana in South Bend, Decatur Human Services in Decatur, Mich., Marcellus Community Food Pantry, and several other local ministries and food pantries across Michigan and Northern Indiana.
Matthew Wesaw, Chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, shared, “This annual tradition reinforces our ongoing commitment to actively supporting individuals and families in Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana through a variety of causes and initiatives. We hope these meals provide a sense of relief and joy to those that receive them.”
Mary Smith, Chief Operating Officer of Four Winds Casinos, added, “The organization and delivery of these holiday meals is heartwarming for our team members. We are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those that received the meals and the support of several organizations that helped with the distribution.”
Marijo Martinec, Executive Director and CEO of the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, expressed gratitude for the collaboration, saying, “We are grateful for our continued partnership with the Pokagon Band and its Four Winds Casinos to feed the hungry. Their generosity and long-term commitment continue to make a positive difference for many families struggling with hunger.”
This holiday donation is just one of many initiatives that demonstrate the Pokagon Band’s dedication to community support across its service areas in Michigan and Indiana.
Gun Lake Tribe and Casino Make Holiday Donations to Underserved Tribal Communities
The Gun Lake Tribe and Gun Lake Casino have announced generous donations to underserved tribal communities in Michigan and Canada. A $15,000 monetary donation was made to the Wasauksing First Nation in Parry Sound, Ontario. Additionally, 6,700 items valued at $73,000 were donated to urban Native American communities in West Michigan. These donations include essential items such as coats, boots, hats, gloves, toys, non-perishable food, household items, and personal hygiene products.
A donation drive, held throughout November at the Casino and Tribe’s Government Campus, helped gather the items. “During the holiday season we are reminded of those who are less fortunate, and it warms our hearts to organize donation drives for those in need,” said Sal Semola, Chief Executive Officer of Gun Lake Casino. “We thank casino guests, casino team members, tribal citizens, and our friends and neighbors here in West Michigan for giving so much to make the holidays better for underprivileged Native Americans in Michigan and Canada.”
The Tribe and Casino have made this donation drive an annual tradition, aiming to support Native communities during the holidays. Last year, donations valued at over $95,000 were sent to the Walpole Island First Nation in Ontario, including similar items for families in need.
Virginia Sprague-Vanderband, Council Member, highlighted the success of the initiative, saying, “This event has become a big success thanks to the teamwork amongst many wonderful gaming and government staff members, our Tribal Council, our tribal Citizens, and the local community. Our Citizens see our relatives in need and show how much we value them through our generosity. The Gun Lake Tribe will continue to lay down sema and pray for the health and well-being of all our relatives.”
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians File Appeal to SCOTUS Regarding New Casino Bid
The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians (“SSM”) has filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court after the Department of the Interior (“DOI”) blocked its effort to secure land for a new casino near Detroit. The tribe, which operates Kewadin Casinos in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, purchased the Sibley Parcel near Detroit in 2012 with funds from its Self-Sufficiency Fund. However, the DOI rejected the request to place the land into trust, arguing it did not meet the legal criteria for “enhancement” of the tribe’s existing territory.
The tribe believes the casino would provide vital services for its members, many of whom live in the Lower Peninsula and lack access to employment opportunities and essential services. SSM also cited a housing shortage of over 2,200 homes and a lack of tribal employment opportunities in the region. However, the DOI and the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals have ruled that the casino does not meet the criteria for funding related to education, health, or social welfare.
The Supreme Court has not set a timetable for the case, but the tribe hopes it will resolve the long-running dispute and help meet the needs of its members in the Lower Peninsula. More detailed information can be found here.