July 29, 2019
Detroit, July 29, 2019 - The Detroit commercial casinos have contributed more than $2.2 billion to Michigan’s School Aid Fund for K-12 education since the Michigan Gaming Control Board issued the first commercial casino license to MGM Grand Casino Detroit on July 28, 1999.
The entire state tax on Detroit commercial casino wagering — 8.1 percent of the casinos’ net win — supports statewide K-12 classroom education. Net win represents the casinos’ gross receipts less winnings paid to wagerers. The Detroit casinos also pay the City of Detroit a 10.9 percent wagering tax on net win.
“More than 20 years ago, Michigan lawmakers created a system for the Michigan Gaming Control Board to monitor the transfer of taxes from the casinos every weekday to the State School Aid Fund to benefit public education,” said Richard S. Kalm, executive director, MGCB. “The casino tax revenue provides strong support for one of government’s primary duties: the education of our youngest citizens.”
In 2018, the casinos paid $117 million in wagering taxes to the State of Michigan to help fund education. This year through June, the casinos have paid $59.6 million in wagering taxes to the state.
MGM Grand Detroit began commercial gaming operations on July 29, 1999. MotorCity Casino received its gaming license on Dec. 14, 1999, and gaming began less than three hours later. A gaming license was awarded to Greektown Casino on Nov. 10, 2000.
"The Michigan Gaming Control Board shall ensure the conduct of fair and honest gaming to protect the interests of the citizens of the State of Michigan."
