Mayor: Detroit Casinos Will Not Fully Reopen Until There Is COVID-19 Vaccine

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Island Resort & Casino, a tribal casino located in the Upper Peninsula, has changed its reopening plans, surprising patrons with a bait-and-switch. Instead of reopening on Wednesday as initially announced, the casino now aims to resume gaming activities on May 16.

However, the fact that a casino in one of the states severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic is even contemplating accepting bets this week is a positive indication. Since March 22, all Michigan casinos have been shut down.

Late Tuesday, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan expressed a less positive outlook regarding the situation of Greektown Casino-Hotel, MGM Grand Detroit, and MotorCity Casino in Detroit.

According to Duggan, The Detroit News reported that Detroit casinos will not resume full operations until a COVID-19 vaccine is available. He further implied that even upon reopening, the casinos will initially operate at reduced capacities for a few months.

Duggan said regular life won’t resume for a while

Columnist Nolan Finley included comments from Duggan in his piece, accompanied by a video of the interview.

Duggan warned in the video that although there are encouraging signs regarding COVID-19 cases and fatalities in Michigan and Detroit, residents should prepare themselves for the ongoing lifestyle.

However, this is until a vaccine becomes available.

Duggan stated that our current situation is expected to persist until September and likely extend into January. The presence of the coronavirus is widespread throughout southeastern Michigan, and its eradication is dependent on the development of a vaccine.

Therefore, our objective is to ensure that we approach each day with caution, in order to prevent the rapid spread of it.

Duggan ‘confident’ Whitmer will make the right call

During the interview, Duggan emphasized the importance of prioritizing the return of outdoor construction workers to their jobs and facilitating the reentry of patients into hospitals for non-COVID treatments.

According to Duggan, future priorities would include restaurants, movie theaters, and casinos.

The mayor highlighted that the reopening timelines might align with the expiration of the recent order issued by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The order extended the emergency declaration until May 28.

Duggan expressed uncertainty, stating, “Perhaps, in a month or two, there might be a possibility of having a quarter of the tables open in a restaurant.”

Duggan handed over the decision to Whitmer, who is also a Democrat, expressing his trust that the governor will make the appropriate choice.

Whitmer is engaged in a battle in Lansing against Republican legislators who recently filed a lawsuit questioning her authority.

Mayor: Casinos might operate at 25%30% capacity

According to Duggan, he foresees a future where casinos will function with limited capacity until a vaccine is revealed, which could possibly take several months.

Duggan expressed that the reopening of the entertainment sector and casinos will rely on the progress made in developing anti-virals and a vaccine, factors that are beyond our influence. He added that he would be taken aback if a vaccine is created in our country within one year.

Duggan suggested that it could take several months for Detroit’s casinos to reach even half of their capacity.

“I cannot say for certain if the casinos will open at 25% to 30% capacity,” he remarked. “Determining such matters is the governor’s responsibility, who will assess them in light of medical advice when the appropriate time arrives.”

“I won’t advocate for any actions until it is deemed medically safe to do so.”

According to the mayor, casinos may not see any customers walking through their doors for “several months.”

I predict that within a few months, you can expect restaurants, casinos, and possibly even movie theaters to resume operations, albeit at a reduced capacity of around 25% to 30%. These establishments will implement strict social distancing measures. However, this will take some time to materialize.

Casinos a major economic engine for Detroit

In 2019, the Detroit casinos generated adjusted gross receipts of $1.45 billion, resulting in a tax revenue of over $184 million for the city and more than $117 million for the state.

An optimistic outlook was anticipated for 2020 as the casinos experienced a notable 6.7% boost in January and February revenue compared to the corresponding period last year.

According to The News, 20% of Detroit’s general fund was comprised of revenue generated from casinos.

Duggan stated that a considerable amount of money has been allocated in preparation for a potential economic downturn. However, if by the end of the year the economy does not show signs of recovery, significant reductions will need to be implemented.

Although the tribal casinos in the state are not under Whitmer’s jurisdiction, they have all chosen to close voluntarily during the pandemic.

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