Three Detroit Casinos could Close becuase of its population Decline.

[Danny]

Recent Source from Channel 4 reported that Three Detroit Casinos MGM Grand, Greektown Casino and Motor City Casino could be planed to CLOSE when Detroit's population decreased under 800,000 mark under federal requirements. Detroit city leaders are asking U.S. Census for a recount.

Any thoughts?

[laphoque]

I don't think any elected official would support or enforce that rule should it truly be in force. There would also be a protracted legal fight before that would ever happen.

[R8RBOB]

Recent Source from Channel 4 reported that Three Detroit Casinos MGM Grand, Greektown Casino and Motor City Casino could be planed to CLOSE when Detroit's population decreased under 800,000 mark under federal requirements. Detroit city leaders are asking U.S. Census for a recount.

Any thoughts?

Yes, when Engler said no to casinos to Detroit, a group of people got a proposal on the ballot. In that proposal, it was stated that the people could approve casinos in a city that has a population of 800,000 or more. The high number was put in because Engler was against any public casinos in the state and since the only city in Michigan that could meet this requirement was Detroit, it was passed and Detroit got three casinos.

Now that Detroit is reported to be under 800,000, this would pose a major problem because under the law, the casino would have to close but we know there is no way these casinos would close. Remember one of the casinos is owned by a Ilitch. They will simply amend the law to say 600,000 to give Detroit some wiggle room.

[canuck]

I think that the Metro population, the proximity to other states and provinces makes the casinos a viable option. Maybe one could close but they can probably make do as is.

[ghettopalmetto]

Yes, when Engler said no to casinos to Detroit, a group of people got a proposal on the ballot. In that proposal, it was stated that the people could approve casinos in a city that has a population of 800,000 or more. The high number was put in because Engler was against any public casinos in the state and since the only city in Michigan that could meet this requirement was Detroit, it was passed and Detroit got three casinos.

What does the language of the law say?

If it says that casinos may "exist" in a city of more than 800,000 population, then there may be a problem.

But if it says that casinos may be "approved" in a city of more than 800,000 population, then there isn't any concern. The casinos have *already* been approved.

[R8RBOB]

What does the language of the law say?

If it says that casinos may "exist" in a city of more than 800,000 population, then there may be a problem.

But if it says that casinos may be "approved" in a city of more than 800,000 population, then there isn't any concern. The casinos have *already* been approved.

Found it.....

Proposal E, A Legislative Initiative to Permit Casino Gaming in Qualified Cities.

The proposed law would:

Permit up to three gaming casinos in any city that meets the following qualifications: has a population of 800,000 or more; is located within 100 miles of any other state or country in which gaming is permitted; and has had casino gaming approved by a majority of the voters in the city.

Establish a Gaming Control Board to regulate casino gaming.

Impose an 18% state tax on gross gaming revenues.

Allocate 55% of tax revenue to the host city for crime prevention and economic development; allocate remaining 45% of tax funds to state for public education.

The key word is "permit" The state permit three casinos to operate in Detroit as long as the requirements are met. Right now, one of the requirements is no longer met to permit casinos in Detroit.

[Novine]

Here's the actual language from the law. As R8RBOB notes, it has no impact on the casinos.

[[l) “City” means a local unit of government other than a county which meets all of the following criteria:

[[i) Has a population of at least 800,000 at the time a license is issued.

[English]

They'll amend the law. Don't believe the hype.

[esp1986]

With the amount of money these casinos bring into the state, especially with the state being just about broke, they won't be going anywhere. If the language is actually viewed as 'exist' rather than permit at the time of approval, the law would be ammended. There is no way the state will force a business to close like that.

[R8RBOB]

Here's the actual language from the law. As R8RBOB notes, it has no impact on the casinos.

[[l) “City” means a local unit of government other than a county which meets all of the following criteria:

[[i) Has a population of at least 800,000 at the time a license is issued.

The question is does the 800,000 apply at the initial submitting of the casino license or does it apply to renewal too? The state renew the licenses annually so based on the wording of the law, the 800,000 requirement would apply regardless if this is a new license or renewal.

[mwilbert]

This is interesting, but English and R8RBOB are right; you can be sure that the licenses will be renewed, one way or another.

[R8RBOB]

Wild idea...........

Okay, it appears that law on the books may affect Detroit so naturally the lawmakers are going to amend the law so that Detroit don't lose out.....but opportunity awaits. What if lawmakers from outside Detroit decides to protest amending the law? The goal of course is to get something out of it. Hackel is on record wanting a marina-casino in Macomb Co. What if the politicians in Oakland and Macomb and other locations suggest that instead of having cities having a population of 800,000 or more how about having counties with a population of let's say 700,000. This will open the door Brooks and Hackel pushing for casino licenses for their counties. Just a thought.

[econ expat]

Laws?
Detroit was permitted to levy a higher city income tax, state law allowed cities over a million population to do so. A law written to favor only Detroit.
Looks like laws can be changed.......

[Mr. Houdini]

The casinos must stay. They're *really* helping out Detroit's financial situation.

[iheartthed]

Wild idea...........

Okay, it appears that law on the books may affect Detroit so naturally the lawmakers are going to amend the law so that Detroit don't lose out.....but opportunity awaits. What if lawmakers from outside Detroit decides to protest amending the law? The goal of course is to get something out of it. Hackel is on record wanting a marina-casino in Macomb Co. What if the politicians in Oakland and Macomb and other locations suggest that instead of having cities having a population of 800,000 or more how about having counties with a population of let's say 700,000. This will open the door Brooks and Hackel pushing for casino licenses for their counties. Just a thought.

Oakland County doesn't want a casino. And I doubt there is much interest in Lansing to allow another casino to be built in Metro Detroit. Plus the existing casinos would furiously lobby against it.

[R8RBOB]

Oakland County doesn't want a casino. And I doubt there is much interest in Lansing to allow another casino to be built in Metro Detroit. Plus the existing casinos would furiously lobby against it.

I don't doubt that but for years, Detroiters didn't want casinos either. Coleman Young tried three times to get casinos in Detroit and couldn't get it done yet when one casino opened in Windsor everything changed. That said, there is nothing to stop a representative from introducing new language to the bill to open up opportunities in the future.

[Meddle]

Coleman Young tried three times to get casinos in Detroit

Which was the reason they didn't pass. Coleman's crooked name attached meant an automatic NO vote.

They never should have been there and if this means they get shut down, Good!

[jcole]

Coleman Young tried three times to get casinos in Detroit

Which was the reason they didn't pass. Coleman's crooked name attached meant an automatic NO vote.

They never should have been there and if this means they get shut down, Good!

What do you suggest they replace the tax revenues with, oh wise one?

[R8RBOB]

Coleman Young tried three times to get casinos in Detroit

Which was the reason they didn't pass. Coleman's crooked name attached meant an automatic NO vote.

They never should have been there and if this means they get shut down, Good!

Now we both know that was not the case. We both know the reason why casinos didn't fly in Detroit was that the preachers made an out-cry everytime the subject was brought. Crime, Mafia, etc.....

[DetroitHabitater]

BESIDES, the casinos BRING TOURISTS, nobody locally in Detroit gambles......OH WAIT.

[Gambling Man]

Novine is 100% correct. There is absolutely no effect upon the continued existence of casinos in Detroit. Incompetent reporting at its best.

[JBMcB]

The casinos must stay. They're *really* helping out Detroit's financial situation.

Does anyone know how much money the casinos take in from locals vs. tourists, and how much money the casinos put back into the community through taxes and wages, vs. how much leaves the state?

[Meddle]

Now we both know that was not the case.

I [[and everybody I knew at the time) was opposed because Thug Young was in favor. We knew he wanted another way to line his pockets and build his war chest. I wouldn't be at all surprised if he wasn't getting payoffs until the day he died and if there still wasn't some going to his estate. That crooked SOB's ghost will haunt the city long after people forget about Kwame'.

[slick]

Laws?
Detroit was permitted to levy a higher city income tax, state law allowed cities over a million population to do so. A law written to favor only Detroit.

Yes this same argument was held when Detroit slipped under a million,
they amended the law. of course that was before Detroit Yes was born.

[mikeg19]

C'mon. Does anybody REALLY think they will close the casinos because of this? No way in hell. They will amend the law.