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Detroit Casino Revenue Falls 6.4% Year-on-Year in February

Ziv Chen

Last Updated: March 17, 2025 7:35 AM EDT • 1 min 52 sec read.

Detroit Casino Revenue Falls 6.4% Year-on-Year in February
Pictured: Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider pulls the puck out of the net. Photo by James Guillory via Imagn Images.

Michigan's control board has spent time defending its real-money online casino market, but in the meantime, its brick-and-mortar casino has seen some recent revenue dips.

While the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is enforcing cease-and-desist letters on unlicensed online casinos, the Gaming Control Board has also revealed February’s casino revenue. Detroit’s three commercial casinos reported only $98.8 million in monthly aggregate revenue (AGR) last month. This is a 6.4 % decline year-on-year from the $104.8 million reported last February.

Of the $98.8 million in February 2025, $98.0 million was generated from table games and slots. According to the MGCB’s announcement, all three brick-and-mortar casinos have reported a year-on-year decline in AGR. 

The highest revenue reported was $46.6 million from MGM Grand Detroit, a 5.9 % decline from February 2024. MotorCity Casino reported a 10.1 % decline, dropping to $28.4 million in February 2025, while Hollywood Casino at Greektown reported a 2.7 % drop, decreasing from $23.8 million to $23.2 million.

Of the total AGR for February, the remaining $815,561 came from retail sports betting. The handle was reportedly down 37.9 % year-on-year, decreasing to $8.2 million. Total gross receipts came in at $820,450, while the qualified adjusted gross receipts (QAGR) went up $940,414 year-on-year. That market pales in size compared to the online Michigan sports betting scene.

Crackdown continues

The year-on-year figures might seem dim, but the MGCB is determined to keep Michigan’s sports bettors safe from unlicensed online casinos and encouraging them to use Michigan online casinos, instead.

Unlicensed online casinos, sometimes called offshore casinos, don’t hold a license in a particular state. They violate laws set forth by gaming control boards and commissions such as the Michigan Gaming Control Board. The danger for players is that unlicensed casinos are unregulated, which means the casinos’ practices may be unfair or fraudulent. Bettors at these sites also can't take advantage of Michigan online casino no-deposit bonuses.

According to the MGCB’s Executive Director, Henry Williams, unlicensed casinos “put consumers at risk by offering unreliable withdrawal options and lacking essential consumer protections.”

Since issuing a cease-and-desist order to MyBookie.ag and suspending all operations of TwinSpires in January, the MGCB has scrutinized other unlicensed operators. Current online casinos under fire are BetWhale Casino, Black Lotus Casino, Coins Game Casino, Love2play Casino, and Orion Stars 777 Players. 

“Our top priority is safeguarding Michigan residents by ensuring that all online gaming activities are conducted legally and safely,” said Williams. “These operators must stop their activities or face additional legal consequences.”

Responsible gambling promoted

Williams and the Michigan Gaming Control Board have also been keen to promote responsible gambling practices during Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). Especially in connection with March Madness, Williams encourages Michigan residents to enjoy themselves but prioritize their well-being.

“Whether you’re placing a bet on the game or participating in other forms of gaming, setting limits and being aware of the risks is crucial to ensuring a healthy experience,” Williams said.

Written By:
Ziv Chen
Ziv has over two decades of experience in the igaming and sports betting industry, having served in senior marketing and business development positions with both B2C and B2B companies, including Playtech and Microgaming. In 2019, Ziv decided to pursue his passion for writing and became a fulltime industry journalist, covering casino, sports, and gambling business news. He’s specialties include casino games and technology, US state gambling regulation, company performance, as well as gambling affiliates and marketing. As a Pitt graduate, Ziv is a diehard fan of all Pittsburgh sports teams, with the Steelers at the top of the list. In his free time, he enjoys reading crime fiction, biographies (mainly of sports personalities, but not only) and American history. Ziv’s Favorite quote: “We're going to pursue perfection, knowing full well we won't catch it, but we're going to relentlessly chase it," Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach.