A roundtable discussion about the casino industry’s two decades in Detroit recently was held MGM Grand Detroit as part of the American Gaming Association’s Get to Know Gaming campaign, highlighting the positive contributions of gaming across 40 states. Gaming is a .8 billion industry in Michigan, providing more than 17,000 jobs and generating more than 1 million in local, state and federal tax revenue.
Geoff Freeman, AGA president and chief executive officer, said, “The gaming industry is proud to play a significant role in the reemergence of the city of Detroit. MGM Grand, MotorCity and Greektown are reaffirming the decision of voters 20 years ago by delivering good jobs, unmatched tax revenue and valued partnerships with community leaders in Detroit.”
In 2015 Detroit’s three casinos contributed $174.3 million in tax revenue, 16 percent of the city’s total overall revenue. Casino revenue was the third-largest source of revenue for the city as it emerged from bankruptcy. “The revenues from MGM Grand, MotorCity and Greektown Casinos allow our city to avoid significant financial problems. The gaming industry is providing good jobs for Detroit residents, while enhancing our small businesses and serving as a true community partner,” said City Council President Brenda Jones.
U.S. Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence added, “Detroit’s three casinos have been partners in the community’s campaign to get this great city back on the right track. We’ve seen their commitment to Detroit going beyond hiring local vendors and promoting diversity throughout their organizations. The greatest impact can be realized in jobs offered in a wide range of careers providing a path to the middle class for the residents of Detroit, as well as their mission-based philanthropic efforts which infuse additional resources throughout the city and beyond.”
Looking ahead, Freeman said it’s time to focus on industry growth—in particular, sports betting, which he said should be legalized nationwide. “It’s time to repeal that law. It’s time to empower states to offer that product if they so choose. I think it’s a question of the industry evolving to meet the changing interest of tomorrow’s customer. You have to adapt. We need to be asking the question and Michigan needs to be asking the question, ‘What’s going to work tomorrow?’”
Participants also discussed the industry’s support of programs benefiting education, veterans, employee growth, sustainability, the arts and more.
The AGA has hosted similar events in Ohio, Iowa, Colorado, Nevada and Pennsylvania, noting casino gaming is a $240 billion industry across 40 states, providing 1.7 million jobs and generating $38 billion in tax revenue.
