State shutdown threatens Detroit casinos

2007-09-28 14:41:53

Casinos in Detroit are concerned they might not be able to open next week if state government functions shut down due to a budget impasse.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board said that state-licensed casinos are among the services that could be without a budget from Monday, which means mandatory onsite regulators will not be available.

Without these regulators, the casinos would not be able to ensure the safety of customers and the integrity of payoffs, according to gambling experts.

MGM Grand's Scott Grigg told the Detroit News: "A government shutdown would have a profound negative impact on our operations and the economic vitality of this state and city.

"Therefore, we urge the state legislature and the governor to reach a budget compromise for the good of the state, the taxpayers and our employees."

Last year, Detroit generated casino revenues in the region of $1.3 billion but the possibility of a shutdown could mean that the industry and the state loses millions of dollars.