In a dramatic turn of events akin to the plot twists in a high-stakes novel, the bustling streets of Detroit witnessed an exodus from physical casino floors to the digital realm. This shift was precipitated by Detroit’s casino workers drawing proverbial lines on the pavement, standing in solidarity for higher wages last November. Their collective call for recognition unwittingly catalyzed a record-setting month for the state’s online casinos, where virtual slots jingled and digital roulette tables spun without pause.
Amid the clamor of protest, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) unveiled striking numbers: internet casino revenue surged to a historic $175.3 million in November. The crescendo of digital chips had never been louder since the introduction of such gambling in January 2021.
November’s windfall surpassed the state’s prior peak—an impressive $171.8 million in March 2023. Additionally, virtual sportsbooks tossed another $33.9 million into the pot, resulting in a total internet gaming revenue that swelled to $209.2 million.
It’s worth reminiscing that March 2023 remains the golden month in Michigan’s virtual gaming annals, with online sportsbooks reaping $44.5 million for a whopping combined impact of approximately $216.3 million. Nevertheless, November’s prowess is not to be understated—iGaming showed muscularity across the board. Neighboring New Jersey, a cohort in the online betting fraternity, saw internet casino revenue peak at $171.5 million. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania’s online casinos boasted an impressive gross revenue of $158 million.
Michigan’s own digital gaming landscape blends the forces of Detroit’s three commercial behemoths and their gaming tribal counterparts, all operating in concert with their third-party partners to deliver a seamless online betting experience.
Leading the virtual charge is BetMGM, MGM Grand Detroit’s online warrior, claiming a $46.7 million victory through its internet casino. Not far behind, FanDuel, the digital arm of MotorCity, clinched a substantial $43.9 million.
Venturing into the tribal territories, DraftKings emerged as the trailblazer, partnering with the Bay Mills Indian Community to dominate the tribal segment online, collecting about $34.7 million from its casino offerings. FanDuel, the sporting titan, outperformed on the commercial online sportsbook front, with net winnings of $9.7 million.
Yet, this tale would be incomplete without the mention of Penn Entertainment’s daring venture, ESPN Bet, which reported earnings with unbridled optimism before the harsh reality of promotional ventures led to an adjusted loss.
While the digital realm celebrated, Detroit’s stone-and-mortar establishments—the MGM Grand, MotorCity, and Greektown—faced a stark reality. Their combined gross gaming revenue plummeted to just $76 million, a near 24% drop from the year before. It wasn’t until November 17 that the tides turned with the striking of a new agreement, ending the workers’ strike.
Despite calls from union leaders to shun commercial iGaming sites amidst the upheaval, it appears that the fervent roll of the digital dice and the virtual cards dealt were too enticing for consumers. The data spoke volumes—a story of resilience, adaptation, and the unyielding spirit of the gaming world unfurling in the digital age.
