In October, Detroit’s casino industry showed strong financial growth, as per recent data, although 2025 still trails slightly behind last year’s performance. The Michigan Gaming Control Board announced that MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown collectively earned $107.4 million in revenue during the month.
October’s figures reveal mixed results: some segments improved, yet year-to-date statistics indicate an industry striving for steady recovery.
Table Games and Slot Revenue Drives October Improvement
Table games and slot machines were largely responsible for October’s revenue, bringing in $105.9 million. This marks a 2.2% increase from October 2024 and a 7.9% rise from September 2025, hinting at increased visitor activity as fall advances.
Despite this monthly upturn, the year’s first ten months reveal a decline. Revenue from table games and slots from January 1 to October 31 is down 1.1% from 2024, depicting a year of fluctuating performance for Detroit’s gambling industry.
Market-share distribution stayed consistent in October. MGM Grand Detroit led with 49%, MotorCity Casino had 29%, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown had 22%. Revenue comparisons for each casino showed significant year-over-year variation:
– MGM Grand Detroit made $52.7 million, a 6.6% increase.
– MotorCity Casino earned $30.5 million, a 3.8% decrease.
– Hollywood Casino at Greektown took in $22.7 million, a 0.8% increase.
This variance among the casinos highlights how competition and changing consumer patterns have influenced Detroit’s gaming scene in 2025.
Retail Sports Betting Marks One of Its Strongest Months of the Year
Sports betting was another highlight in October. The three casinos reported a $13.5 million handle and $1.6 million in total gross receipts, with Qualified Adjusted Gross Receipts (QAGR) rising by $2.4 million from October 2024 and $794,016 from September, marking a significant month-over-month rise for retail betting.
Performance differed across locations:
– MotorCity Casino led with $786,929 in QAGR.
– Hollywood Casino at Greektown followed with $727,254.
– MGM Grand Detroit, typically poorer in retail betting, reported $27,258.
Overall, retail sports betting added $58,266 in state taxes and $71,215 in wagering taxes for Detroit.
State and Local Tax Payments Continue Upward Trend
October also saw an increase in taxes paid by casinos. They contributed $8.6 million in state gaming taxes, up from $8.4 million the previous year. Additionally, $13.1 million was paid to the city in wagering taxes and development agreement payments.
Fantasy contest operators, on a separate schedule, reported $986,178 in adjusted September 2025 revenue, leading to $82,839 in taxes.
As October closes, the rest of 2025 will determine if Detroit’s gaming industry surpasses or continues to fall short of last year’s figures. While the month showed positive signs, especially in retail sports betting, overall casino revenue remains slightly below 2024 figures, with November and December being crucial for the city’s gambling market.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com
