Detroit casinos followed a strong start to the year with a disappointing February. The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) reported that properties produced just $98.0 million of revenue last month.
It’s the first time in 13 months since Detroit casinos did not generate at least $100.0 million in monthly revenue. That represents a 4.2% month-over-month decrease and a 6.5% year-over-year decrease.
In 2024, Detroit casinos got off to a slow start by recording $93.9 million, which caused some concern in the retail industry. However, figures bounced back in February.
This year is a reverse from last, where January got off to a hot start, followed by a cooler February. The industry is expected to get a boost in March, which has been the best month of the year since 2022.
Detroit casinos still out-pacing 2024
Despite a down February, through the first two months, properties are still off to a better start than the previous year. In 2024, Detroit casinos generated $198.7 million.
This year has already shown a slight overall improvement. Casinos have recorded $200.3 million in revenue through February thus far in 2025.
Remember, 2024 was a banner year for the three commercials facilities in the city. The industry brought in $1.28 billion, which was the most since 2019. It’s not time to panic just yet.
It is always difficult to pinpoint an exact reason for a rise or fall in revenue for a particular month. February was not a particularly a good weather month for Detroit, as the city got 12.2 inches of snow. It only got 3.1 inches in February 2024.
March should bring higher totals
Over the last three years, March has been a successful month for city properties. The following March’s have ended up being the best results of the year:
- 2022: $120.9 million
- 2023: $117.8 million
- 2024: $122.3 million
It’s possible with the weather breaking in March, it brings more people outside and into the casinos. Either way, the March success has been a trend. There’s no reason why it won’t continue next month.
Hollywood Casino at Greektown trends up, others trend down
Hollywood Casino at Greektown had a positive month, while MGM Grand Detroit and MotorCity Casino each declined in February. Those statistics are as follows:
- MGM Grand Detroit: $46.4 million, down 7% from January ($49.9 million)
- MotorCity Casino: $28.4 million, down 7.2% from January ($30.6 million)
- Hollywood Casino at Greektown: $23.2 million, up 5.9% from January ($21.9 million)
Hollywood Casino at Greektown is often in the shadow of MGM Grand Detroit and MotorCity Casino. To put on a positive month-over-month increase is a big win for the property.
Retail sports betting handle dropped dramatically
It’s understandable that retail sports betting is going to take a hit with football wrapping up in February. Retail handle came in at $8.2 million, which is a 57.5% month-over-month decrease. Properties generated 820,450 in revenue.
February has been a mixed bag for retail betting in Detroit. Here are the month-over-month handle drops since 2022:
- 2022: 29.1%
- 2023: 20.3%
- 2024: 45.4%
Retail betting has been less popular in general, too. The three casinos took in $25.3 million in handle in 2022. That dropped all the way to $8.2 million last month.
