According to a press release dated July 29, 2019, the Detroit commercial casinos have contributed more than $2.2 billion to Michigan’s School Aid Fund for K-12 education over the past 20 years. This includes contributions from MGM Grand Detroit, Greektown and MotorCity casinos.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) issued the first commercial casino license to MGM Grand Casino Detroit on July 28, 1999. MotorCity Casino received its gaming license on Dec. 14, 1999. A gaming license was awarded to Greektown Casino on Nov. 10, 2000. Since then, the entire state tax on Detroit commercial casino wagering (8.1 percent of the casinos’ net win) has supported statewide K-12 classroom education.
“More than 20 years ago, Michigan lawmakers created a system for the Michigan Gaming Control Board to monitor the transfer of taxes from the casinos every weekday to the State School Aid Fund to benefit public education,” said Richard S. Kalm, Executive Director of the MGCB. “The casino tax revenue provides strong support for one of government’s primary duties: the education of our youngest citizens.”
In 2018, the casinos paid $117 million in wagering taxes to the State of Michigan to help fund education. This year through June, the casinos have paid $59.6 million in wagering taxes to the state.
