Detroit casino revenue fell 1.2 percent to USD 1.33B in 2014

Helping to explain some of the gains is the recent drop in gas prices, which has translated into more disposable income for consumers, as well as improved weather in December, and the Christmas holiday that fell on a Thursday. “I bet you a lot of people had the Friday after Christmas off. I think a lot of people took advantage of the longer weekends,” commented Ohio-based gaming consultant Jeffrey Compton.

Nevertheless, December’s gains were not enough to off-set an overall 1.2% drop in revenues to USD 1.33 billion in 2014, marking three year’s of shrinking revenues for Detroit. From that tally, slot machines accounted for 83% of total revenues in 2014, or USD 1.1 billion, while table games accounted for the remaining 17%, or USD 227 million. Breaking the figures down further, MotorCity reported the biggest drop in revenues, down 2.1% to USD 445 million, followed by MGM Grand Detroit down 1% to USD 561.1 million, and Greektown down 0.5% to USD 326.7 million.

In spite of falling revenues, however, Michigan Gaming Control Board executive director Richard Kalm, took comfort in the fact the drop was lower than had initially been anticipated, explaining:

“We expected 2.5% to 3% (decline) for the year. This 1.2% is certainly manageable.”

” In 2014, the city then received USD 170 million in gambling tax revenues, equivalent to around 16% of Detroit’s total revenues.

Annual Detroit Gambling Revenues:

2009: USD 1.33 billion 

2010: USD 1.37 billion 

2011: USD 1.42 billion 

2012: USD 1.42 billion 

2013: USD 1.34 billion

2014: USD 1.33 billion