Detroit Casinos Post $103.9m January Take As Digital Shift Deepens

January earnings in the Detroit area totaled $103.9million, a slight increase from the same month last year, but still well below the strong holiday figures reported in December.

According to the Michigan Gaming Control Board, table games and slot machines generated the majority of revenue for Detroit’s commercial casinos, with combined totals of approximately $103.1m. 

Retail sports betting brought in about $770,000 in revenue, reflecting a continued shift toward mobile wagering.

Core Casino Revenue Holds Steady

Detroit’s core gaming revenue rose 0.8% year over year compared to January 2025, showing that traditional casinos remain resilient despite major changes across the gambling industry. 

Month over month, revenue dipped 0.3% from $105.1m in December 2025 to $104.8m in January 2026—typical for the post-holiday slowdown.

Weather likely played a role. Detroit recorded roughly 17 inches of snow in January, which can impact travel and foot traffic. 

Even so, the modest annual increase suggests the local casino market remains stable, supported by regional players who continue to visit for slots and table games, even as many also explore the best online casinos for added convenience.

Revenue from gaming operations at all three properties - MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino and Hollywood Casino at Greektown - rose compared to last year. 

MGM Grand Detroit led the market with approximately $50.2m in gaming revenue. 

MotorCity Casino followed with $31.0m, while Hollywood Casino at Greektown reported $21.9m.

Sports Betting Shifts Further Online

Land-based sportsbooks accepted $11.3m in wagers in January, but revenue fell 69.5% from the previous January and 55.2% from December. 

Retail sports betting continues to trend downward as bettors increasingly favor mobile platforms, reducing in-person sportsbook traffic.

This broader migration toward digital gambling mirrors national trends, with many players dividing their time between physical casino floors and the best online slots available through regulated platforms.

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Despite softer sports betting results, Detroit’s casinos remain important contributors to public funding. 

Operators paid approximately $8.4m in state gaming taxes and $12.3m to the City of Detroit through wagering taxes and development agreement payments - figures consistent with prior-year ranges.

January and February are traditionally slower months for casinos due to the post-holiday lull and the latter has historically been particularly quiet in Detroit. 

March, however, typically delivers a seasonal boost driven by improved weather and major sporting events.

Overall, Detroit’s gaming market remained stable in January. Traditional casino revenue held firm, while digital wagering continued to reshape player behavior. 

Despite challenging weather and evolving consumer habits, the market shows steady potential for year-over-year growth through 2026.