As Michigan’s gaming industry starts to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state has granted regular licenses to a number of sports betting and igaming operators in the state.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board Tuesday approved online gaming and sports betting operator license application requests from MGM Grand Detroit, Greektown Casino, MotorCity Casino, plus six tribal gaming authorities.
It also approved internet gaming supplier license applications from FanDuel Sportsbook and Incredible Technologies.
All had been previously operating with provisional licenses.
Michigan, which approved online gaming in January 2021, has long been viewed as a lucrative market for operators. In a recent report, the American Gaming Association estimated that the state’s 27 gaming locations have an annual economic impact of $6.28 billion, create $1.3 billion in tax revenue, and support almost 40,000 jobs.
The MGCB reported $109.7 million in revenue in May for the three Detroit casinos, nearly identical to April’s. Table games and slots generated $107.9 million in revenue and sports betting produced $1.75 million.
MGM brought in $46.2 million, 42% of gaming revenues; MotorCity, $38.2 million, 36%; and Greektown, $23.6 million, 22%. All three casinos were closed last year in May because of state-mandated restrictions due to the pandemic.
The total sports betting handle for May was $20.2 million. Taxable revenue was $1.77 million with MotorCity bringing in $709,796, Greektown, $636,547, and MGM, $402,223.
In May, the three Detroit casinos paid $8.7 million in gaming taxes to the state of Michigan and $12.8 million in wagering taxes and development agreement payments to the City of Detroit
On June 1 the MGM Grand, Greektown and MotorCity announced that vaccinated patrons would not have to wear masks as permitted by an updated MGCB executive decision.
