Greektown Casino-Hotel in Detroit recently debuted a huge new sign that spans the length of the hotel’s rooftop. The facility is testing the sign as part of its move to become Jack Detroit Casino-Hotel. Greektown Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Jason Gregorec said, “Greektown Casino-Hotel’s transition to Jack Detroit Casino-Hotel continues to make progress and is set to be completed on May 1. As part of the transition process, we began testing the LED backdrop of our new, state-of-the art hotel sign the first week of January. We look forward to the three-dimensional, 20-foot letters that will display JACK to be attached in front of the LED background closer to the transition date.”
Jack Entertainment LLC, owned by Dan Gilbert, has taken over the operation and has nearly completed renovations. Jack Entertainment Chief Executive Officer Matt Cullen said, “Detroit is Jack’s hometown and we want to make a big splash with our new brand and the casino’s dramatically expanded new dining and entertainment offerings. Our team is eager to introduce all that’s new to the city and our guests.’’
Also this spring the casino will debut Monroe Market, a multimillion-dollar renovation of the former Market District, featuring six new fast-casual dining spots in a contemporary setting. A new bar also has been added on the casino floor.
Jack Entertainment also operates three Ohio properties including a casino, racetrack and racino.
Meanwhile, Jack Entertainment is doing very well.
Since the Jack Cleveland Casino opened five years ago, May 2012, under a different brand name, its receipts have totaled $1.26 billion, according to figures released by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
The Jack Cincinnati Casino, part of the same brand, opened in March 2013. It has so far brought in $966 million and saw its revenues increase slightly last year. The Jack Thistledown Racino, which opened April 2013, totals $557 million.
Originally owner Gilbert partnered with Caesars Entertainment, but in 2015 he bought out its 20 percent interest. Gilbert is the founder of Quicken Loans and owns the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Despite these robust revenues, the Jack Cleveland Casino’s revenues have been declining, going from $203.6 million in 2016, to $201.4 million last year.
This is in contrast to the Thistledown Racino’s revenues, which have shown a steady increase after a $90 million renovation—and despite strong competition from the neighboring Hard Rock Rocksino. The racino is expecting to pick up more patrons after the Amazon fulfillment center is completed nearby.
Some players have negatively compared the Club Jack rewards program to Caesars rewards program.
Mark Tricano, senior vice president of Northeast Ohio operations for Jack Entertainment, issued this statement: “Our company culture focuses on the combined long-term investment and growth of Jack Thistledown Racino, Jack Cleveland Casino and the communities where our properties reside. Together Jack Cleveland Casino and Jack Thistledown Racino provide our guests double the value, more promotional experiences and the flexibility to utilize their ClubJACK comps and points at two locations close to home.”
He added, “Our business approach may not be observable in the monthly reported AGR (revenue) results but has made us a significantly healthier company able to make substantial capital investments that benefit our loyal guests within the Cleveland market, including the dramatic renovation of Jack Thistledown Racino and acquisition of the May Company Garage.
