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Detroit Moves Forward with Its Picks

DETROIT, Mich. -- Leaders of Greektown Casino thanked Mayor Dennis Archer and said they look forward to working with Archer and the City Council to make Detroit one of the nation's premier gaming and entertainment destinations.

"We commend Mayor Archer for never wavering in his determination to return Detroit to its status as a world-class city. All of us at Greektown Casino look forward to working with Mayor Archer to continue the revitalization of Detroit," said Ted Gatzaros, a partner in Greektown Casino with Jim Papas and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

Sault Tribe Chairman Bernard Bouschor said Greektown Casino will create jobs and new opportunities for Detroit much like the Tribe's Kewadin Casinos have boosted the Upper Peninsula.

"What a day for the people of Detroit," Bouschor said. " Greektown Casino means 4,000 good jobs with full benefits, and significant new economic opportunities for vendors and suppliers. It also means about 8 million more people coming to downtown Detroit each and every year. Under the leadership of Mayor Archer, and thanks to significant new attractions, the future of Detroit looks very bright."

Partner Jim Papas said the casino resort will build on the success of Greektown and improve the district for visitors and merchants.

"We will work closely with Greektown's 130 merchants and shopkeepers to ensure continued prosperity and even greater economic success," Papas said. "Adding our casino to the mix of attractions in Greektown will solidify the district's position as Detroit's leading destination for great food, fun and entertainment."

Art Blackwell, an investor in Greektown Casino, said many Detroit suppliers and vendors will provide goods and services to the city's three new casino resorts.

"The economic impact will be tremendous," Blackwell said. "More than 75 cents of every dollar that comes into a casino goes right back out again to purchase everything from hotel supplies to service contracts."

Greektown Casino, with 100,000 square feet of gaming space, 3,000 new parking spaces and 1,000 hotel rooms, will cost about $519 million.

Even Steve Wynn weighed in on the decision with a statement. Mirage Resorts issued the following statement from Steve Wynn on Mayor Archer's announcement:

"We want to congratulate Circus Circus and the Atwater Group, the Greektown Group and our friends at MGM on their selection by the mayor to be the three companies to receive casino licenses in Detroit.

"The market will present an interesting and compelling challenge and MGM and the others are fine companies that are up to the task.

"We wish them well in the work that lies ahead."

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