MotorCity Casino Hotel & Sportsbook

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MotorCity Casino Hotel & Sportsbook

Out of the three commercial casinos in Detroit, MotorCity Casino Hotel stands as the sole establishment that is locally-owned and operated.

Marian Ilitch, a prominent local billionaire businesswoman and co-founder of Little Caesars Pizza, was among the initial investors in the casino and later acquired it completely in 2005. She also holds ownership of the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers.

Situated downtown Detroit, less than a mile away from MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino Hotel can be found on Grand River Avenue at the Lodge Freeway (M-10).

MotorCity Casino Hotel boasts a vast array of entertainment options, including around 2,700 gaming machines, 60 table games, and a dedicated poker room. Additionally, the venue proudly accommodates guests with a stylish 400-room high-rise hotel.

Located on the property is Detroit’s sole AAA Four Diamond award-winning restaurant, offering a breathtaking skyline view. Additionally, there is a food court boasting an award-winning buffet as well as a Little Caesars Pizza outlet. Furthermore, visitors can enjoy a variety of options with half a dozen bars and entertainment choices, including a highly sought-after live performance venue.

FanDuel has formed a partnership with MotorCity Casino Hotel for sports betting and online gambling.

MotorCity Casino Hotel & Sportsbook

  • The location is 2901 Grand River Ave in Detroit.
  • Owner: Marian Ilitch
  • Operator: Detroit Entertainment
  • Online Sportsbook: FanDuel Sportsbook
  • Online Casino: FanDuel Casino
  • Online Poker: None
  • 24/7
  • There are over 2,700 slot machines, as well as blackjack, craps, and roulette available at the casino.
  • Sportsbook: Opened in 2020
  • Poker: Competitions and casual matches (No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha)
  • Legal Gambling Age: 21+

MotorCity Casino Hotel online gambling partnerships

MotorCity Casino and FanDuel Group joined forces in March 2020 to introduce sports betting and online casino offerings in Michigan. As part of this partnership, a retail sportsbook under the FanDuel brand was established within the Detroit casino.

The collaboration introduces a significant player to the growing gambling sector in Michigan. FanDuel, a company under Flutter Entertainment, initially began its journey in sports betting in New Jersey, where it holds the leading position as the preferred online and retail brand.

The anticipation is that FanDuel’s partnership with MotorCity will yield comparable benefits in the state of Michigan.

In January 2021, the FanDuel Sportsbook and FanDuel Casino were introduced alongside the advent of online sports betting and online casino gaming in Michigan.

The casino at MotorCity Casino Hotel

The casino at MotorCity Casino Hotel spans over 100,000 square feet and operates around the clock.

With nearly 2,000 slot machines and video poker games, 60 table games, and Detroit’s exclusive poker club, this venue offers the finest in electronic gaming and slots, a wide range of table games, and an exceptional live poker experience in the city.

On the 2nd floor of MotorCity Casino Hotel, there is a dedicated gaming area where smoking is not permitted.

MotorCity Casino Hotel hosts a range of promotions at its casino, which include:

  • $50,000 Invitational Slot Tournament
  • Get a Bounce Back Bonus by earning at least $10 in comps and receive a Reward Play bonus equal to that amount.
  • Introducing Cupid’s Cash, a Valentine’s Day promotion that gives you the opportunity to win big! Join us for hourly drawings where you could walk away with $1,000 in CASH, or enjoy $10 in Reward Play. Additionally, participate in our exciting slot tournaments held every 20 minutes for a chance to win a share of $500 in CASH.
  • Earn double points for 30 days by referring a friend to open a new Club Metro account.
  • Start your Sunday morning off right with the Early Bird promotion! Play slots and get a shot at winning $25,000 or up to $1,000 in Reward Play.
  • Become a Club Metro member and receive $10 Reward Play as a welcome gift. Additionally, unlock an extra $10 Reward Play by simply utilizing the secret code MOBILEAPP10 within the MYMotorCity mobile app.
  • Club Metro members who are invited can participate in the Night Owl event and get the opportunity to win either $25,000 or up to $1,000 in Reward Play by playing slots during the late hours of Saturday night.
  • Club Metro members who have been invited can receive a guaranteed $10 in Reward Play when they download the MYMotorCity Mobile App and input their Secret Code.
  • Introducing the Sweetheart Slot Bonus promotion! Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the opportunity to win up to $1,000 in Reward Play.

Slots

The MotorCity Casino Hotel boasts a wide selection of 2,700 slot machines and video poker machines.

This implies that a wide range of games, including both classic reel games and the latest five-reel and video games, can be found, with betting options starting from as low as 1¢ and going up to $100.

The slot area is equipped with an engaging audio/video system and the Lightning Link Lounge, which boasts 40 interconnected progressive jackpot slots.

Table games

While MotorCity Casino Hotel may not offer as many table games as its counterparts in Detroit, it boasts an extensive and varied selection. With a total of 60 table games, ranging from timeless classics to cutting-edge trends, they have all your gaming preferences covered.

MotorCity Casino Hotel offers an extensive array of table games. Below is the complete list:

  • Blackjack
  • Spanish 21
  • TriLux Blackjack
  • House Money Blackjack
  • Super 4 Progressive Blackjack
  • Buster Blackjack
  • Roulette
  • Single Zero Roulette
  • Blaze Roulette
  • Mini-Baccarat (Dragon Side Bet)
  • Craps with Fire Bet
  • Progressive Pai Gow Poker
  • Progressive 3-Card Poker
  • Progressive Mississippi Stud
  • Progressive Ultimate Texas Hold’em
  • Criss Cross Poker
  • Casino War

Club Metro rewards program

MotorCity Casino Hotel offers a player loyalty program called Club Metro.

Members of The Program are eligible to receive comps for both slot and table game play. Additionally, they can enjoy a 3% comp back on the majority of their cash or credit purchases at MotorCity Casino Hotel.

Comps are versatile and can be utilized for various purposes such as enjoying meals, shopping, indulging in spa treatments, or planning relaxing hotel getaways.

With the Club Metro card, users can enjoy a minimum 10% discount on various amenities including food and retail purchases, hotel stays, shows at Sound Board, as well as spa treatments and services.

Members earn $5 in Reward Play for every $15 in comps earned.

Club Metro offers four levels, each presenting greater opportunities for earning, perks, and discounts.

MotorCity Casino Hotel sportsbook

Owner Marian Ilitch, who also possesses the Detroit Red Wings (NHL) and Detroit Tigers (MLB), establishes a strong bond between MotorCity Casino Hotel and Detroit sports.

For years, the casino has been organizing viewing parties to cheer for the Red Wings and Detroit Pistons. These exciting events offer delicious food and drink specials, along with thrilling prize raffles.

Additionally, the MotorCity Casino Hotel booth at the arena provides a complimentary shuttle service to home games at Little Caesars Arena and grants $10 worth of free Reward Play to all visitors.

After the FanDuel partnership was established, it was inevitable that a retail sportsbook would be introduced. True to expectations, it opened not long after the agreement was made public. Unfortunately, this coincided with the week when most sports events were either canceled or postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Consequently, the gambling industry in Michigan had to temporarily cease operations for a prolonged period of five months.

In August, following its reopening, MotorCity unveiled its newly transformed two-story FanDuel Sportsbook. The casino hotel took the previously existing Chromatics and Spectators live music venues and revamped them into this exciting sports betting space.

The two-level area offers large screen televisions, comfortable seating, two bars, and numerous self-service kiosks and betting windows.

MotorCity Casino Hotel poker room

MotorCity Casino Hotel features a 10-table poker room where poker enthusiasts can enjoy various exciting games and tournaments including Daily High Hand Jackpots, Bad Beat Jackpots, as well as No-Limit Texas Hold ‘Em and Pot-Limit Omaha cash games.

Players who spend more than 40 hours at the poker tables will have the chance to win a gas gift card through the promotions offered by the Poker Room.

The typical tournament schedule consists of Bounty and Deepstack events taking place thrice a week, along with monthly tournaments that guarantee a certain prize pool.

Stay updated on the latest events at the MotorCity Casino Hotel Poker Room by using the Bravo Poker Live App, available for both Apple and Android mobile devices.

In 2016, MotorCity Casino Hotel made headlines by bestowing a remarkable “Bad Beat” jackpot of nearly $569,000.

MotorCity Casino Hotel amenities

The hotel at MotorCity Casino Hotel

In 2007, MotorCity Casino Hotel introduced a new hotel featuring 400 rooms, which included 33 luxurious suites.

Although the hotel lacks a pool, hotel guests can still enjoy the spa and fitness center facilities. The fitness center is accessible around the clock, providing convenience to hotel guests.

Additionally, the property offers over 67,000 square feet of function and banquet space.

Hotel packages at MotorCity Casino Hotel include accommodations, spa credit, dining credit, and complimentary slot play.

Dining and entertainment

MotorCity Casino Hotel presents an extensive array of dining and entertainment choices, which encompass:

  • Iridescence: A highly acclaimed restaurant known for its fine dining experience and award-winning cuisine.
  • Experience the Assembly Line Buffet, a renowned buffet offering a wide selection of American and international cuisine that has received multiple awards.
  • Little Caesars offers authentic pizza and a variety of menu items.
  • Experience the rich history of Detroit at The Lodge Diner, whether it be during the day or into the late hours of the night.
  • Grand River Deli offers a variety of deli fare such as burgers, sandwiches filled with corned beef and pastrami, freshly made soups, and a selection of salads.
  • Indulge in a delightful experience with Sweet Ride! Treat yourself to an assortment of freshly baked pastries, delectable gourmet cupcakes, exquisite cakes, and the finest Starbucks coffee.
  • The Strut Bar is a centrally located video slot area within the casino.
  • Experience a one-of-a-kind atmosphere at The Lounge, where exceptional craft beers and cocktails redefine the traditional hotel bar.
  • Pre-show spot for Sound Board: Amplify your experience with Overdrive!
  • Headlights Lounge: The centrally located bar for all your entertainment needs.
  • Come and enjoy a variety of beer, wine, and cocktails at MotorCity Pit Stop located in the food court.
  • Welcome to Iridescence, where the bar is a captivating experience of colors and shimmer.
  • The Radio Bar is an exciting venue that features talented House DJs and live remote broadcasts from Detroit’s premier radio stations.
  • Live entertainment venue with a capacity of 2,400 available.
  • The new sportsbook at MotorCity Casino Hotel is about to transform into a vibrant live music venue, welcoming both chromatics and spectators alike.

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MotorCity Casino Hotel history

Three new commercial casinos were given the green light in Detroit after Michigan voters approved a proposal in 1996. Subsequently, in 1997, the Michigan Gaming Control & Revenue Act was passed by lawmakers, further endorsing the three projects.

On December 14, 1999, the temporary MotorCity Casino facility was inaugurated.

The temporary residence was established within a structure previously occupied by the renowned Wagner Baking Company, which had gained fame for producing the beloved Wonder Bread.

Permanent hotel and casino

The ownership group of MotorCity Casino consisted of various prominent entities, such as the Mandalay Resort Group, Marian Ilitch, the billionaire behind Little Caesars Pizza, a consortium of over 100 local investors known as Atwater Entertainment, and the local investor Tom Celani.

In 2005, MGM Mirage, the owners of the MGM Grand Detroit, purchased Mandalay Resort Group. However, due to the restrictions imposed by Michigan law, which prohibits individuals or organizations from owning multiple commercial casinos, MGM Mirage had no choice but to divest one of their properties.

At that time, Ilitch acquired full ownership of the MotorCity Casino by purchasing Mandalay’s 53.5% stake for $525 million, Atwater Entertainment’s 11.5% stake for $106 million, and Celani’s 10% stake for an undisclosed sum.

Ilitch stated that the acquisition of the casino was a demonstration of her family’s dedication to the economic revitalization of Detroit.

In 2007, she proceeded with a $300 million expansion plan, which involved the building of a 17-story hotel tower with 400 rooms. The newly established Motor City Casino Hotel commenced its operations.

MotorCity Casino Hotel proudly stands as Detroit’s sole locally-owned and operated casino.

In 2019, the combined revenues of the three commercial casinos in Detroit reached an all-time high of $1.454 billion. MotorCity Casino achieved its highest annual revenue of $493.6 million, securing the second position after MGM Grand Detroit, which earned $623.5 million.