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Detroit businessman Don Barden and Michael Jackson proposed a $1 billion riverfront casino and entertainment complex in 1998, according to accounts published by 1077 WRKR and 95.3 WBCKFM. Called Majestic Kingdom, the development was rejected by Detroit voters.
A casino alongside a Thriller theme park
The proposed Detroit riverfront development would have combined a Michigan casino with a hotel, aquarium, restaurants and an amusement park. The park was to be called the Thriller Theme Park, while the hotel was named the Mansion in the Sky.
Both outlets reported that Jackson made multiple visits to Detroit to support the project.
Majestic Kingdom lost its casino bid
According to 1077 WRKR, Barden initially pushed the proposal to secure a place among the three casinos that would eventually be built in Detroit.
The outlets describe then-Mayor Dennis Archer and the Detroit City Council as denying Jackson and Barden’s casino bid. Their accounts identify the successful casino projects as MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino and Greektown Casino.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER, which connects to Michigan’s Problem Gambling Helpline 24/7.
More from playmichigan.com – Detroit’s Gambling Evolution: From Casino Floors to Mobile Betting – Michigan Online Gambling Revenue Reaches $355.7 Million in September – Detroit’s Three Casinos Reported $109.7 Million in August Revenue, Including MotorCity Casino
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Sources: As reported by 1077 WRKR and 95.3 WBCKFM.
