Casino News

Detroit casinos 'help fight crime'

2007-09-13 15:03:07

Detroit has received more than $1 billion fees and taxes from local casinos in less than a decade, it has been revealed.

New research has found that since the first casino in Detroit opened eight years ago, police patrols have been in receipt of more money, enabling them to reduce crime.

Between 1999 and 2006, taxes and fees have climbed from £26.6 million a year to $171.1 million, while homicides, vehicle thefts and other crimes have taken a hit, according to the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

"The fact that the casinos are paying taxes on their income has helped the city at a time when it needed help," said Detroit's Second Baptists church minister Revered Kevin M Turman in an interview with the Associated Press.

He was originally sceptical about what casinos could offer and thought they would bring problems to Detroit.

In 2006, Detroit was the country's fifth-largest casino market, producing revenues that amounted to $1.3 billion.