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Detroit Casinos Warn Against Tax Increases

LANSING, Michigan – As reported by the Detroit News: "Higher state and city tax increases — even in a milder form approved Tuesday by the Michigan Senate — would cripple Detroit casinos in a state and nation where gambling is increasingly a competitive business, casino interests warned.

"'We remain strongly opposed to any tax increase and are assessing the job-killing impact of this legislation,' said Roger Martin, spokesman for Greektown Casino. Greektown officials also will reassess plans for their permanent casino-hotel if lawmakers approve a tax boost, he said.

"Tom Shields, Lansing spokesman for MotorCity Casino, said the Senate vote to increase the casino tax by one-third would kill jobs.

"The tax rate would go from 18 percent to 24 percent, one element of a plan to avert a shortfall of more than $1 billion in next year's state budget. It would add about $50 million to state tax revenues. Earlier, the state House voted to double the tax to 36 percent.

"…He warned that the owners will be forced to lay off dealers and servers if they have to pay higher taxes. The three gambling halls in Detroit employ about 8,100 people…"

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