The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has unanimously renewed the operating licenses of Detroit’s three commercial casinos following its latest annual review. MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino and Hollywood Casino at Greektown will continue operating under state regulation through September 2027.

The board approved the renewals during its regularly scheduled public meeting on September 8. Before reaching its decision, regulators examined the financial condition of each property, its operating practices and compliance with responsible gaming requirements under the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act.

The annual process allows Michigan to reassess licensed casino operators after their initial approval. The latest review found that all three Detroit properties continued to satisfy the applicable requirements.

“Year after year, these renewals show that Detroit’s casinos continue to meet the high bar Michigan sets for operating with integrity,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams, in a press release. “As the industry continues to evolve, our focus remains the same — protecting patrons, supporting responsible gaming, and making sure this remains an industry Michigan can be proud of.”

Detroit Properties Remain Under State Oversight

The decision also preserves the regulatory framework governing gambling at the properties. Michigan requires licensed operators to meet standards covering responsible gaming and other aspects of casino operations.

The financial contribution from Detroit’s casino sector also remains significant. Under current law, the three commercial casinos pay wagering taxes equal to 19% of adjusted gross receipts. Of that amount, 8.1% goes to the state and 10.9% goes to the City of Detroit. The casinos also make payments under development agreements.

Retail sports betting receipts face a separate 8.4% tax. The figures provided for that tax allocate 3.78% to the state and 4.62% to Detroit, alongside annual regulatory fees.

Detroit’s three casinos recorded $112.57 million in aggregate revenue in July, according to figures cited in the coverage. Their combined revenue had exceeded $118.87 million in April. July activity generated $9 million in state gaming taxes, while wagering taxes and development agreement payments to Detroit totaled $13.3 million.

The combined state and city payments reached $22.3 million for July based on those figures.

Responsible Gaming Remains a Regulatory Priority

The license renewals form part of wider MGCB activity around responsible gambling. Earlier in September, the regulator announced $150,000 through its High School Boosters Program to support gambling-prevention education. More than 30 booster clubs had received funding, with another $100,000 set to become available from October 1.

The participating organizations can use MGCB-approved messaging to educate young people about the risks of underage gambling through school communications and social media.

Michigan also launched its Don’t Bet on Your Future initiative in May, adding a youth-focused effort to the existing Don’t Regret the Bet responsible gaming campaign.

The regulator has simultaneously pursued operators outside Michigan’s licensing system. Earlier this year, the MGCB issued cease-and-desist orders against 45 offshore gambling operators that accepted Michigan customers without state authorization.

These enforcement actions distinguish licensed gambling businesses from offshore platforms that do not operate under Michigan’s regulatory requirements. Licensed casinos remain subject to state oversight, including obligations related to responsible gaming.

Renewals Follow Continued Regulatory Review

The Detroit casino licenses have now been extended for another year after the MGCB completed its assessment of the three properties. The board’s decision means MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino and Hollywood Casino at Greektown can continue operating while remaining subject to Michigan’s regulatory requirements.

The case also comes against a wider backdrop of discussions about gambling regulation in the state. Detroit’s casinos have faced annual reviews while the MGCB has increased attention on responsible gaming education and unauthorized offshore gambling.

Williams described the renewals as part of an ongoing regulatory standard rather than a one-time assessment.

The Covertage provided from the renewal announcement also emphasizes the MGCB’s responsibility to ensure fair and honest gaming and protect Michigan citizens. Residents seeking help with gambling concerns can use 1-800-GAMBLER, while Michigan’s responsible gaming resources include self-exclusion programs and other support tools.

The three casinos will remain licensed until the next annual review in September 2027.