Detroits gambling earnings took a significant blow in November due to labor actions. The city’s gaming establishments generated $79.1 million, representing a 22.3% decline from the same period last year. This also marks a 4.5% decrease from October.
The labor disputes at the casinos commenced in October and persisted until mid-November. This resulted in the MGM Grand, Greektown, and MotorCity casinos experiencing understaffing for the majority of the month.
The casinos generated $76 million from slot machines and table games, indicating a 23.9% decrease from the previous year and a 7% decrease from October. However, sports betting revenue saw an uptick, with $3.1 million in qualified adjusted gross revenue. This represents a 63.2% increase from November 2022 and a 181.8% increase from October.
Detroit residents wagered $15.3 million on sports at the casinos, reflecting a 15.5% drop from both November 2022 and October 2023.
During the month of November, MGM maintained its position as the most sought-after gambling establishment in Detroit, securing a commanding 34% share of the market. Nevertheless, its dominance has diminished in comparison to the 46% share it held in the preceding month, October.
MGM’s income from table and slot games reached a substantial $30.6 million, while its revenue from sports wagering amounted to $230,847.
MotorCity, a close competitor to MGM, narrowed the gap, also achieving a 34% market share. Its revenue from table and slot games totaled $24.7 million, with sports betting revenue reaching $2.2 million.
The final gambling establishment in Detroit, Greektown Casino-Hotel, claimed a 27% market share. Greektown reported $10.8 million in revenue from table and slot games and $657,545 in revenue from sports wagering.
In terms of financial contributions, the casinos collectively paid $6.2 million in gaming taxes to the state of Michigan in November. Furthermore, they remitted $9.4 million in wagering taxes and development agreement payments to the city of Detroit.
Concerning sports betting, Michigan’s total tax revenue amounted to $116,769. Moreover, the three casinos paid $142,718 in wagering taxes to the city of Detroit.
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