MotorCity Casino Hotel Launches $65M “Elevate the Escape” Initiative
MotorCity Casino Hotel has announced “Elevate the Escape,” a multi-year, $65 million investment that will enhance the overall guest experience across its Detroit Casino property. The initiative will introduce a range of upgrades spanning hotel accommodations, dining, and gaming, while also supporting local jobs and economic activity in Detroit.
A major component of the project includes a full renovation of all 400 hotel rooms and suites, focused on modernizing design and comfort. The property’s conference center has also been upgraded to better accommodate meetings, conventions, and large-scale events.
Dining and nightlife offerings will continue to expand with plans for a redesigned central bar, lounge space, and a new café. Recent additions including Revel Steak and Red Lantern reflect the property’s broader effort to elevate its food and beverage options.
“MotorCity has always been a place people come to have a great time, and ELEVATE THE ESCAPE represents the next chapter in that story,” said John Policicchio, general manager of MotorCity Casino Hotel. “We’re building on what guests already love while introducing new experiences that feel vibrant, exciting, and designed for how people want to escape and enjoy themselves today.”
Enhancements to the casino floor are also underway, including updated entrances, improved lighting, and refreshed gaming areas. The property has already introduced a high-limit gaming refresh, a new smoking slot area, and expanded VIP amenities, along with a two-story FanDuel Sportsbook and exclusive VIP sportsbook lounge.
The International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) Appoints Ashlee Olujic as Director of Tribal and Community Engagement
The International Center for Responsible Gaming ( ICRG) appointed Ashlee Olujic as Director of Tribal and Community Engagement, a strategic addition in the fulfillment of the organization’s mission.
A member of the Oneida Nation, Olujic understands both lived experience and specific expertise through her work in Tribal engagement. “Ashlee brings a powerful combination of professional skills, academic insight, and commitment to Tribal partnership,” said Michael Soll, President of ICRG. “Her leadership will help advance our mission to support high-quality research and education on gambling disorder while strengthening collaboration with Tribal Nations.”
In addition to her work in organizational leadership, Olujic is an award-winning children’s author whose writing centers on literacy and cultural storytelling — underscoring her belief in the power of knowledge to strengthen individuals and families.
“Tribal gaming is an economic lifeline for many communities,” said Olujic. “Independent research on gambling disorder and responsible gaming plays a critical role in advancing prevention, education, and treatment. I’m honored to help strengthen partnerships between Tribal Nations and ICRG to support meaningful dialogue and ensure research findings are accessible and relevant to Tribal communities.”
Ashlee Olujic can be contacted by email at aolujic@icrg.org.
Nominations Open for 2026 Gaming Hall of Fame Class
The American Gaming Association’s Gaming Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations for its 2026 class, continuing a long-standing tradition of recognizing leaders who have made a lasting impact on the gaming industry.
Each year, individuals are selected based on their professional achievements, contributions to their communities, and influence on innovation within the industry. An independent panel of gaming executives reviews nominations and selects honorees from a competitive pool of candidates.
Nominations should include basic contact information for the nominee along with a brief written summary explaining their qualifications.
The selected inductees will be announced in summer 2026, highlighting individuals who have helped shape the growth and evolution of the gaming industry.
Detroit Casinos Report $112.3 Million in March Revenue
According to revenue figures released by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”), the three Detroit casinos reported $112.3 million in aggregate revenue for March 2026.
Table games and slots generated $111.5 million, while retail sports betting produced $810,424 in qualified adjusted gross receipts (“QAGR”).
The March market shares were:
MGM, 47%
MotorCity, 31%
Hollywood Casino at Greektown, 22%
The three Detroit casinos paid $9.0 million in gaming taxes to the State of Michigan. The casinos also reported submitting $13.3 million in wagering taxes and development agreement payments to the City of Detroit.
The three Detroit casinos submitted taxes on retail sports betting in the amounts of $30,634 to the State of Michigan and $37,442 to the City of Detroit based on March activity.
MGCB Targets Illegal Offshore Gambling with 45 Cease-and-Desist Orders
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) has taken significant enforcement action against illegal online gambling, issuing cease-and-desist orders to 45 offshore operators found to be targeting Michigan residents without proper authorization.
This action follows several months of investigations confirming that these operators were offering online casino games and sports betting in violation of Michigan law. By issuing these orders, the MGCB is reinforcing its commitment to protecting the state’s regulated gaming market and ensuring that only licensed operators can legally serve Michigan players.
According to MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams, the enforcement effort is part of an ongoing initiative to identify and shut down unlicensed platforms that pose risks to consumers and undermine compliant businesses operating within the state.
Unregulated offshore sites operate outside Michigan’s legal framework, meaning players may face risks such as unfair gaming practices, delayed or withheld payouts, and potential misuse of personal and financial information. In contrast, licensed operators in Michigan are required to meet strict regulatory standards, including oversight, audits, and responsible gaming protections.
Under Michigan law, any entity offering internet gaming or sports betting to individuals within the state must be licensed by the MGCB. Operators that fail to comply with cease-and-desist orders may face further legal action.
The MGCB is also encouraging residents to verify that any platform they use is properly licensed and to report suspected illegal gambling activity, emphasizing that public reporting plays an important role in ongoing enforcement efforts.