The record numbers, $138.6 million, mark the highest total monthly sales since they opened in 1999 and 2000. The previous record for monthly aggregate revenue was $135.3 million in March 2012. Last month's revenue was up 5.7 percent from the same time last year and 25.9 percent higher than February, according to a Thursday report from the Michigan Gaming Control Board. The aggregate revenue record was driven by record sales for MGM Grand Detroit and MotorCity Casino Hotel.
MGM reported a March revenue of $58.1 million, up 7.3 percent year over year and eclipsing its previous record of $57.2 million in March 2012. MotorCity had a March revenue of $49.3 million, up 9.3 percent year over year and surpassing its previous high of $45.8 million in March 2013.
"MotorCity Casino Hotel provides a great indoor entertainment experience and March's cold/rainy weather made MotorCity the perfect escape," said Bruce Dall, casino president, in a written statement.
Greektown's March revenue was $31.2 million, down 2.3 percent year over year.
Aggregate revenue for all three casinos in the first quarter was down 0.1 percent year-over-year to $360.2 million.
Casinos in Ohio also reported record revenue for March.
The three casinos paid $11.2 million in state gaming taxes last month, compared with $10.6 million at the same time last year. They paid $29.18 million in state gaming taxes compared with $29.2 million at the same time last year. The city of Detroit was paid $16.5 million by the casinos for wagering taxes and development agreement payments.