So you're looking for the best casino in Detroit, but here's the problem: "best" depends entirely on what you're trying to do. Are you trying to catch a Pistons game and grab a drink afterward? Looking for the highest RTP slots? Or maybe you just want a poker room that isn't a complete sweatbox? Detroit isn't like Vegas where the options are endless—it has three main commercial casinos within city limits, plus easy access to Canadian options across the river. Knowing which one suits your style saves you a wasted night.
The Big Three: MGM Grand, MotorCity, and Hollywood Casino
Let's cut to the chase. If you're staying downtown, you're choosing between MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino Hotel, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown. They're all within a few miles of each other, but the vibe is completely different at each spot.
MGM Grand Detroit is generally considered the most upscale of the trio. It feels the most like a destination casino rather than just a local hangout. The poker room here is usually the busiest, drawing a mix of tourists and serious grinders. If table games are your thing, they spread a solid variety of limits. The hotel attached to it is actually one of the better stays in the city, which matters if you're coming in from the suburbs or out of state.
MotorCity Casino is the locals' favorite, and you can tell. It has that old-school Detroit grit—lots of slots, constant action at the tables, and a crowd that knows how to gamble. The Sound Board theater inside brings in decent comedy acts and bands, so it's a good pick if you want entertainment with your blackjack. The food options here lean heavily into Detroit staples, which is a plus if you want a Coney dog at 2 AM.
Hollywood Casino at Greektown is the most walkable if you're already downtown for a game at Comerica Park or a concert at Ford Field. It's right in the thick of Greektown, surrounded by bars and restaurants. The casino floor is smaller than MGM or MotorCity, but it gets the job done. Parking used to be a nightmare here, but the structure is adequate now. Just expect it to be absolutely slammed on Red Wings or Tigers game days.
Detroit Casino Hotels: Where to Actually Stay
If you're making a weekend out of it, the hotel component matters. MGM Grand Detroit's hotel is legitimately nice—modern rooms, good service, and a spa if you're into that. It's the only AAA Four Diamond hotel in the city, for what that's worth. MotorCity's hotel is attached and perfectly fine, but feels more like a large chain business hotel than a resort.
Hollywood Casino's hotel situation is interesting. It's right there, connected to the casino, but Greektown itself is the real draw. You walk out the door and you're in the middle of one of Detroit's most famous neighborhoods. Stay at MGM if you want the full resort experience. Stay at Hollywood if you want to be able to walk to five different bars and restaurants without getting in a car.
Crossing the Border: Caesars Windsor
Here's something a lot of people forget: Windsor, Ontario is literally right across the river. Caesars Windsor is a 10-minute drive through the tunnel or over the bridge, assuming border crossings aren't backed up. And honestly? It hits different. The legal drinking age in Ontario is 19, so the crowd is younger. The casino itself is massive—way bigger than anything on the Detroit side. Canadian dollars often stretch further if the exchange rate is favorable.
The catch: you need a passport or enhanced license to get back into the US. Wait times at the border can be brutal on weekends. And if you win big, you're dealing with Canadian currency conversion. But for pure gambling action, Caesars Windsor is absolutely worth the trip. The poker room is huge, the sportsbook is solid, and the entertainment lineup rivals anything in Detroit.
Online Casino Options for Michigan Players
Here's where things get practical. Sometimes you don't want to drive downtown, pay for parking, and deal with crowds. Michigan legalized online gambling a few years back, and the options are solid. BetMGM Casino Michigan is the digital extension of MGM Grand Detroit—same loyalty program, solid game library. DraftKings Casino and FanDuel Casino are both live in Michigan, offering clean apps and frequent promotions for new players. Caesars Palace Online Casino ties into their rewards program, which is useful if you ever visit their Vegas or Windsor properties.
| Casino | Welcome Bonus | Payment Methods | Min Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM Casino | 100% up to $1,000 + $25 free | PayPal, Venmo, Visa, Mastercard, ACH | $10 |
| DraftKings Casino | 100% up to $2,000 (20x wager) | PayPal, Venmo, Visa, Mastercard, Play+ | $5 |
| FanDuel Casino | Play $1, get $100 in bonus play | PayPal, Venmo, Visa, Mastercard, ACH | $10 |
| Caesars Palace Online | 100% up to $1,250 + 2,500 Rewards Credits | PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, ACH, Play+ | $10 |
If you're already driving to a Detroit casino, download the app for that brand first. MGM's M life Rewards program syncs between the physical casino and BetMGM online, which means your online play can get you comps at the actual property—free parking, meal credits, even hotel discounts. Same deal with Caesars.
Table Games and Poker Rooms Compared
Table game selection is fairly standard across all three Detroit casinos: blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat, and various carnival games like Three Card Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold'em. Minimums start around $10-$15 during off-hours, but jump to $25+ on weekends and game nights. MGM Grand generally has the highest limits, attracting bigger players. MotorCity and Hollywood are more mid-market.
Poker is where MGM Grand wins. Their room is the largest and runs the most consistent tournament schedule. You'll find No-Limit Hold'em games running most hours, with occasional mixed games if there's interest. MotorCity's poker room is smaller but has a loyal following of regulars. Hollywood's poker room is functional but nothing special—if poker is your main focus, head to MGM.
Dining and Entertainment Beyond the Casino Floor
Let's be honest: sometimes the gambling is secondary. If you're with a group that includes non-gamblers, the food and entertainment options matter. MGM Grand has the best high-end dining, with outlets like Wolfgang Puck and D.Prime Steakhouse. It's the place for a date night or a splurge dinner. MotorCity's food court and casual options are better if you want something quick. Their Assembly Line Buffet is a Detroit staple—nothing fancy, but solid value.
Hollywood Casino in Greektown has the advantage of location. Walk five minutes and you're at Pizza Papalis, Astoria Pastry Shop, or any number of Greek restaurants. The neighborhood itself is the entertainment. On a summer night, Greektown is alive in a way that the isolated MGM and MotorCity properties just aren't. If atmosphere matters to you, Hollywood is the play.
FAQ
Which Detroit casino has the loosest slots?
All three Detroit casinos are regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board and must meet minimum RTP standards. In practice, slot payback percentages are fairly similar across MGM Grand, MotorCity, and Hollywood Casino—typically in the 90-92% range for penny slots, higher for higher denominations. MotorCity has a reputation among locals for looser slots, but that's largely anecdotal. The best strategy is to play higher denomination machines (dollar slots vs. penny slots) if you want better odds.
Can you smoke in Detroit casinos?
No. Detroit casinos went smoke-free in 2023 due to a city ordinance change. All three casinos—MGM Grand, MotorCity, and Hollywood Casino—now prohibit smoking on the gaming floor. There are designated outdoor smoking areas. If this is a dealbreaker for you, Caesars Windsor across the border in Canada still allows smoking in designated gaming areas.
Is there a dress code for Detroit casinos?
No formal dress code exists at any Detroit casino. You'll see everything from jeans and jerseys to cocktail dresses. MGM Grand tends to attract a slightly dressier crowd, especially on weekend nights, but you won't be turned away for casual wear. Hollywood Casino is the most casual, reflecting its location in a tourist-heavy neighborhood. Wear comfortable shoes—you'll be doing a lot of walking.
Do Detroit casinos offer free drinks while gambling?
Yes, but don't expect Vegas-style service. Cocktails are complimentary while you're actively playing at slots or table games, but service can be slow, especially during peak hours. Tipping your server $1-2 per drink is standard and helps ensure they come back. Bottled water and soft drinks are also free. If you want faster service, sit at a bar and play video poker—you'll get immediate attention from the bartender.
