Detroit casinos suffered another set back in gambling revenue in November, but it wasn’t as great a loss as expected.
The three casinos combined for $76 million in slot and table game revenue, a 28.2% dip from its monthly average in 2023 prior to the strike ($105.9 million).
While it was $5.7 million lower than the October total of $81.7 million, that’s somewhat of a win giving the casino workers’ strike impacted more days in November than it did in October.
The gambling revenue loss was 23.9% down from November 2022’s $99.9 million.
When comparing to any other full month of operation – so, not counting some months during the pandemic when there were casino closures – November’s $76 million in gaming revenue was the lowest full month total since February 2001. That means it was the lowest full-month total in 22 years and, nearly, the entire history of Detroit casinos. The first full month Detroit casinos were open was December 2000.
MGM Grand Detroit hit hardest in November
Of the three Detroit casinos, the MGM Grand Detroit felt the biggest revenue hit in November.
Both MotorCity Casino and Hollywood Casino at Greektown had similar numbers to October. The strike ended for those two casinos on Nov. 19.
MotorCity Casino had $25 million in October gaming revenue and came through with $24.7 million in November. Hollywood Casino at Greektown had $19.4 million in revenue in October and actually surpassed that in November with $20.7 million.
The MGM Grand Detroit had the strike last the entire month, as its new deal with its workers didn’t come until Dec. 2.
It still amassed $30.6 million in revenue in October, just 38.2% below average for 2023 prior to the strike.
| Detroit Casino | Average 2023 Monthly Revenue (through Sept.) | November 2023 Revenue | Percentage Decline |
|---|---|---|---|
| MGM Grand Detroit | $49.5 Million | $30.6 million | 38.2% |
| MotorCity Casino | $32.1 Million | $24.7 million | 23.1% |
| Hollywood Casino at Greektown | $24.3 Million | $20.7 million | 14.8% |
| Total | $105.9 Million | $76 million | 28.2% |
Retail sports betting revenue hits 2023 high
Retail sports betting at the three Detroit casinos actually hit a yearly high in revenue in November, despite the strike.
The casinos took in $15.3 million in wagers, which was down from October’s $18.1 million, the same handle it had in November of 2022.
However, the casinos took in $3.1 million in revenue. That was not only the highest total for 2023, but the highest mark since November of 2021.
MotorCity Casino brought in the most revenue and handle. They took $8 million in wagers with $2.2 million in revenue.
Detroit casinos lost about $50 million during strike
If we use the average revenue the three casinos were doing in both slots and table games, as well as sports betting, that was $106.5 million per month prior to the strike.
With $82.8 million in combined revenue in October and $79.1 million in October, we can say that the casinos lost out on about $51.1 million in combined revenue during the strike.
In the grand scheme that’s only 4.6% of the current $1.12 billion in combined gaming revenue the three casinos have in 2023.
However, it will likely keep them from besting the 2022 combined yearly revenue total of $1.28 billion.
