Michigan Casino and Card Room Gaming

The Michigan Gaming Control Act, passed in 1996, allowed legalized casino gaming in Michigan for the first time. The Act also created the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), a state agency responsible for issuing and controlling gaming licenses.

In 1997, after a comprehensive bidding process, the city of Detroit selected three casino operators: MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino and Greektown Casino. MGM Grand Detroit opened the doors to its temporary facility in July 1999. MotorCity Casino opened in 1999, followed by Greektown Casino in November 2000. Michigan casinos are subject to a wagering tax of 19%, with Detroit receiving 10.9% and Michigan receiving 8.1% of the tax.

Casino and supplier licensees, organizations or individuals owning a 1% or larger interest in a casino or casino supplier are prohibited from making political contributions to state or local candidates. This restriction remains in force for three years after license termination or expiration and applies retroactively to one year before license application. In addition to licensees, this restriction includes the licensees' officers and managerial employees.

In 2004, a measure was approved requiring both local and statewide voter consent to any new gaming expansion. This measure dashed the hopes of racetrack owners who were looking for a way to install slot machines at racetracks, and provided an additional layer of protection against new competition for operators of the existing Detroit casinos. In 2007 and 2008, the state's tracks again proposed a constitutional amendment that would allow racinos. The legislation never got off the ground. There was another attempt to bring slots to racetracks in 2010, but the federal appeals court threw out a challenge from the racing interests, when they filed a case arguing the constitutionality of the law requiring voter approval of any expansion of gaming. And in January 2013, Gov. Rick Snyder pocket vetoed legislation that would permit video lottery terminals (VLT) at racetracks, despite the legislation receiving the approval of more than 1,000 legislative officials in December.

In December 2009, a bill was signed into law to ban smoking in all workplaces,but casinos were granted an exception. The bill went in effect May 2010, smoking remained permitted on the gaming floor. Food and drink establishments, hotel rooms, conference spaces and common areas became smoke free. Tribal casinos may allow smoking in all areas of their casinos as state law doesn’t govern Native American land.