AGA report: Michigan casinos worth $6.3bn annually to state

Michigan’s 27 combined commercial and tribal casinos have an annual economic impact of $6.3bn for the state, according to a new report from the American Gaming Association (AGA). The venues also provide 37,911 jobs, paying annual wages of $2.1bn, as well as generating $1.3bn in state and local taxes, the report, launched as Detroit’s three commercial casinos prepare reopen following the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) lockdown. “The report shows how critical casino gaming is to Michigan’s economy, and consequently, how important gaming will be to the state’s economic resurgence,” the AGA said. The AGA added that the closure of Michigan casinos from March until 5 August “deprived statewide and local governments $114.1m in gaming tax revenue”. Of this sum, $46.7m would have been earmarked for statewide education and $67.8m for local initiatives in Detroit. Read more on iGB North America.