Three Detroit Casinos could Close becuase of its population Decline.

**jcole** · March-24-11, 04:51 PM

Despite population drop, state law doesn't call for Detroit casino closures [[UPDATED)

UPDATE: Since this story was originally posted, a representative from the Michigan Attorney's General office declined to comment one way or the other on the law because there is no pending litigation on the matter.

Additionally, Jacci Woods, Vice President of Public Relations and Community Affairs at MotorCity Casino, emailed MLive this statement:

"We are fully compliant with the Gaming Act and continue to operate a business that makes significant contributions to our community. MotorCity Casino Hotel met all required criteria for issuance of our original license to operate in the City of Detroit and continues to satisfy all current requirements. The population requirement only applied to the originally issued license."

**R8RBOB** · March-24-11, 05:51 PM

Originally Posted by jcole

Despite population drop, state law doesn't call for Detroit casino closures [[UPDATED)

I think we all know that the state would not close any casino in Detroit, though I have to admit that three casinos and one in Windsor is too much. If Detroit was to lose a casino, it wouldn't be a great loss.

**Meddle** · March-24-11, 05:54 PM

Well, of course you'd expect the casino mouthpiece to say that.

But that doesn't make it so.

**3WC** · March-24-11, 06:17 PM

The casinos are safe under the law for the reason stated by a couple of posters above; the law refers to the initial issuance of permits.

However, that's not even the real issue. Who has legal standing to file suit to close them? Only one entity, the Gaming Control Board.

Anyone think that will ever happen? It would be political suicide for either party which tried it. Case closed.

**CLAUDE G** · March-24-11, 06:42 PM

Originally Posted by English

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

Exactly, like they are really going to allow the casinos to close.

**Novine** · March-24-11, 07:42 PM

This whole pointless discussion was prompted by LeDuff's inability to comprehend state laws. Jeez.

**Downriviera** · March-24-11, 10:10 PM

If the casinos close can we still go in there and smoke?

**Islandman** · March-25-11, 04:15 AM

Originally Posted by Meddle

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

Agree 100%.

**Lowell** · March-25-11, 06:01 AM

That law reads as 'at time of inception' to me as well. If not there is no place in Michigan that could host the casinos and they would have to close down leaving the state with another budget hole and thousands unemployed. I can't imagine it even being challenged.

Too much money and too powerful of a lobby. Let's not forget these are the folks that manipulated around the smoking ban.

Regarding the latter point I was reminded again of how much I appreciate the smoking ban when I came home stinking of tobacco. Last Saturday night I ended up downtown with some time on my hands so I took a walk-through of the MGM casino. I had only been there once previously for lunch at Wolfgang Puck's so this was my first full tour. This is the most profitable of the four casinos. Everything was overpriced, by Vegas standards, from the antes to the eats - coffee and pop were free -- yet the place was jammed. I had to park on the 7th floor of the parking lot.

Put a fork in any discussion of them closing, it's done.

**Meddle** · March-25-11, 06:40 AM

Maybe they should re-word it to say County. Then they could put one out at Metro so travelers would have something to do while stranded by delayed flights.

**Scottathew** · March-25-11, 06:53 AM

Originally Posted by ghettopalmetto

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.

My thoughts exactly!