Michigan regulator approves three Detroit casinos' license renewals

The Michigan Gaming Control Board approved on Tuesday the renewal of casino licenses for MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Greektown Casino.

The board voted 3-0 to accept the renewal recommendation from MGCB staff. The fourth board member was absent.

A commercial casino license is issued for a one-year period in Michigan. All licenses are renewable annually after payment of the $25,000 license fee and delivery of an annual report which includes information required under rules promulgated by the MGCB.

Agency staff conduct investigations each year to determine whether the casinos’ licenses may be renewed. Investigators and financial analysts examine reputational issues, integrity, capitalization, compliance, problem-gambling programs and ability to operate and maintain a casino.

The MGCB licenses and regulates persons and entities participating in or involved with casino gaming authorized under the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act.

Detroit's three casinos saw a 21% year-over-year drop in slot machines and table games revenues in their first full month back since reopening after the coronavirus shutdown.

All three casinos closed March 16, and MotorCity and Greektown reopened to the general public Aug. 5 with 15% capacity restrictions and bans on poker, indoor smoking, and self-serve buffets, followed by the MGM Grand on Aug. 7 with the same restrictions.