Detroit casinos report $1.29 billion in revenue for 2024, highest since pre-pandemic 2019

Detroit’s three commercial casinos posted $1.29 billion in combined revenue for 2024. As reported by the Michigan Gaming Control Board, the total marked the strongest performance since the pre-pandemic peak in 2019. The year’s total, driven by slot machines and table games, highlights a steady recovery in the gaming sector.  

Slots contributed $1.03 billion, representing nearly 80% of total revenue, while table games added $250.96 million. Retail sports betting accounted for a modest $9.7 million, or 0.8% of the total.  
 
December capped the year with $109.6 million in aggregate revenue, including $109.3 million from table games and slots. MGM Grand Detroit maintained its dominance with a 47% market share, followed by MotorCity Casino at 30% and Hollywood Casino at Greektown at 23%.  

Fourth-quarter revenue totaled $319.5 million, up 18.7% year-over-year. MGM again led the surge, posting $149.9 million, a 26.4% increase from Q4 2023. MotorCity Casino rose 15.9% to $97.8 million, while Hollywood Casino at Greektown increased 8.5% to $71.8 million.  

Individual Casino Performance:

• MGM Grand Detroit: Revenue rose 7% year-over-year to $603.72 million, with December earnings of $51.2 million, a 4% month-over-month increase.
• MotorCity Casino: Revenue grew 3.3% to $385.87 million, although December revenue dipped 0.3% month-over-month to $33 million.  
• Hollywood Casino at Greektown: Revenue increased 2.7% to $292.86 million, with December earnings up 3.7% month-over-month to $25.1 million.  

Retail sports betting showed mixed results. Total handle for 2024 reached $190.7 million, falling significantly short of 2022’s $263.7 million but surpassing 2023 levels. Hollywood Casino led with a $75.7 million handle, followed by MotorCity at $70.2 million and MGM at $44.8 million.  

State and local taxes from the casinos remained robust. In 2024, they paid $103.9 million in wagering taxes for slots and table games, up from $99 million in 2023. Retail sports betting taxes, however, dropped to $372,729 from $528,314 the prior year.  

The 2024 revenue rebound reflects the industry’s stabilization after pandemic disruptions and a major strike that took place at the end of 2023. Seasonal peaks were evident, with March posting the highest monthly revenue at $122.3 million.  

While slots and table games showed solid growth, retail sports betting faced challenges, with December’s handle of $19.8 million marking the lowest since the football season began.