Motorcity Casino

All games and promotions described on MotorCity Casino Hotel's website are subject to the approval of the Michigan Gaming Control Board and may be changed, modified or cancelled at any time in MotorCity Casino Hotel's sole discretion. If you bet more than you can afford to lose, you've got a problem. MotorCity Casino History. The original historic building where the MotorCity Casino Hotel complex is located was first built in 1915. Part of the exterior terracotta relief was restored during renovations. The Mandalay Resort Group opened the casino on this site in.

MotorCity Casino is one of the hottest casino destinations in America. But did you know the Motor City of Detroit, Michigan, is experiencing a revival?

If not, it is a surefire bet that you will find at least 50 hot attractions in the city. But if you need a few ideas to get started on a vacation itinerary before you make your trip to MotorCity Casino, this post is the ideal place to begin.

Here, we will look closer at seven of Detroit’s hottest attractions. All of which are located near MotorCity Casino, so you won’t travel far to reach these destinations if you are only looking for a few hours off the casino floor.

Ready for a few quick hits on things to do when you’re gambling in Michigan? Let’s get started.

Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory

Also known as Belle Isle Conservatory, you are looking at one of the nation’s largest greenhouses and botanical gardens. Featuring 982 acres of real estate on Belle Island located on the Detroit River, the actual park comprises 13 acres of magnificent scenery, both of nature and the Detroit and Windsor skylines.

So, whether it is breathtaking greenery or scenic views of the city skylines you are looking for, you will fortunately receive both here at the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory.

Here’s a little fun fact: The conservatory is the oldest of its kind in the US, having opened in 1904 and in operation for the past 115-plus years. So, not only are you getting Anna Scripps Whitcomb’s 600 orchids she left for the City of Detroit, you are in for a historical experience like none other.

Detroit Zoo

Located two miles north of Detroit, the Detroit Zoo sits on 125 acres of land and is the home to 2,000-plus animals comprising over 245 of your favorite species. Attracting nearly 2 million visitors per year, it is a safe bet to assume the Detroit Zoo is one of the hottest in the United States.

So, whether you are looking for your arctic, Australian, or domestic animal friends, the Detroit Zoo has all of it.

And whether you are frequenting Detroit by yourself, with a group, or with the family, you will find something for yourself and all your guests of all ages and interest levels. Let your inner animal lover come out and experience everything the Detroit Zoo offers.

The Henry Ford Museum

You may know this place as the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, or even the Edison Institute. Whatever the name you discovered this venue under, you are sure in for an experience like never before, featuring one heck of a collection of automobiles and historical artifacts.

At the Henry Ford, you will find John F. Kennedy’s presidential limousine, the very chair Abraham Lincoln sat in at Ford’s Theatre, the Rosa Parks bus, and more at America’s largest indoor-outdoor museum complex.

So, if you are looking for history that you won’t find in any other American City, head over to the Henry Ford for an experience you won’t receive anywhere else. This is truly a must when you are looking to explore the area surrounding MotorCity Casino.

Metro Beach Metropark and Nautical Mile

Also known as Lake St. Clair Metropark, you’re looking at 770 acres of nature located just 20 miles northeast of Detroit.

So, what is there to do at Metro Beach Metropark? You have a 1,000-foot long beach, an Olympic-sized swimming pool with an inflatable obstacle course, an 18-hole, par 3 golf course, hiking trails, and even a nature center featuring 275 species of birds. And don’t forget to check out the paved shoreline as well.

And if you frequent the area in the winter, you will find ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating opportunities. So, whether you hit MotorCity Casino in the summer or winter, it is a guaranteed bet you will find activities to your liking.

If you come over to Metro Beach on a clear day, look into the horizon. You will find the Renaissance Center visible over the lake in Detroit. And speaking of the Renaissance Center, we will cover it later in the post.

Scenery and a unique outdoor experience define this location. So, if you are looking for something different than playing casino games, Metro Beach Metropark will be right up your alley.

Motown Historical Museum

You may know it as Hitsville, USA, given it is the nickname to the first building that served as Motown Records’ first headquarters. When you drive up to the museum, you may mistake it for a simple residential home.

Motorcity Casino

But don’t be fooled. Purchased by Motown Records founder Berry Gordy in 1959 before relocating to Los Angeles, California, in the early 1970s.

You will find several rooms frozen in time to look as if they did during the 1960s. Michael Jackson also donated accessories plus $125,000 during his Bad World Tour when he visited the nearby Palace at Auburn Hills.

The museum has since become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Detroit and in 2016, they announced plans for an expansion and renovation project. Some of the biggest names in the area such as AARP, the Kellogg Foundation, and others have made donations for the expansion project.

If you are familiar with Motown Records or if you would just like a piece of musical history, Hitsville USA should grace the top of your vacation itinerary.

Michigan International Speedway

If you love NASCAR, you will find yourself familiar with Michigan International Speedway. The two-mile racetrack features two NASCAR Cup events per season and as of 2020, the nearby FireKeepers Casino sponsors one of the races.

But in addition to NASCAR Cup events, you can also catch an Xfinity event at the racetrack and even the Camping World (formerly Gander RV and Outdoors) Truck Series. And if you want to find the sport’s hottest up-and-coming NASCAR drivers, the ARCA Menard’s Series also hosts an event.

Other events held at the track include the MHSAA’s cross-country state final for the Lower Peninsula and the annual Make-A-Wish bicycle tour.

And if the entertainment at MotorCity Casino isn’t cutting it for you, then you can also see what is going on from an entertainment-standpoint at the track, as it hosts many events throughout the calendar year.

Oh, and it also hosts the Michigan Wine and Beer Festival. So, if you’re into local crafts and cocktails, check it out if you’re in the area during the fest.

So, as you can bet, you don’t need to be a racing fan to enjoy events and happenings over at Michigan International Speedway. If you are up for a bit of a drive into Brooklyn, Michigan, it’s one of the hottest attractions in the surrounding area.

And not just that, it is also one of the largest structures on the NASCAR circuit. So, if you love NASCAR, this venue is a definite must-visit.

Renaissance Center

Also known as the GM Renaissance Center and RenCen, this group of connected skyscrapers in downtown Detroit is located right on the banks of the Detroit River, and it is perhaps the most visually pleasing structure on the Detroit skyline.

Motorcity Casino Sportsbook

Here, you will find more than just office space, but plenty of hotel, retail, and dining options surrounding the complex.

A famous structure that has graced the skyline since 1977, the Renaissance Center’s central tower, the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, is the third-tallest hotel skyscraper in the western hemisphere. And since 1977, it is the tallest building in the State of Michigan.

This location is for more than just the architecture enthusiast. If you are looking for a day off from MotorCity Casino and are looking for dynamic dining and shopping options, this is the finest place to frequent in all of downtown Detroit.

So, head on over and experience more than just a towering structure that the eyes will love.

Conclusion

In addition to MotorCity Casino, be sure to check out the other two casinos in the city, which also includes Greektown Casino-Hotel and MGM Grand Detroit.

But if you are looking to engage in more than just casino gaming, the seven attractions listed above are just a handful of places to visit when you take a trip to MotorCity Casino. If there is one surefire bet you can make, it is that Detroit, Michigan, is once again a grand tourist destination and it will be for some time.

Have you gamed at MotorCity Casino? If so, did you visit the attractions listed above? Let us know in the comments.

MotorCity Casino Hotel online gambling partnerships

In March 2020, MotorCity Casino teamed up with FanDuel Group to launch sports betting and online casino in Michigan. The deal includes a FanDuel-branded retail sportsbook at the Detroit casino.

The partnership brings a heavy-hitter to Michigan’s expanding gambling industry. FanDuel, owned by Flutter Entertainment, got its start in sports betting in New Jersey, where it is the top online and retail brand in that state.

It is expected FanDuel and its MotorCity market access agreement will produce similar dividends in Michigan.

The FanDuel Sportsbook and FanDuel Casino are expected to launch end of 2020 if not early 2021.

The casino at MotorCity Casino Hotel

The 100,000-square-foot casino at MotorCity Casino Hotel is open 24 hours.

It features close to 2,00 slots and video poker games, 60 table games, and Detroit’s only poker club. That means the best of electronic gaming and slots, a diverse selection of table games, and some of the city’s best live poker action.

MotorCity Casino Hotel also hosts a smoke-free gaming area on the 2nd floor.

The casino at MotorCity Casino Hotel runs a variety of promotions, including:

• $50,000 Invitational Slot Tournament (February 2020).
• Bounce Back Bonus – Earn $10 or more in comps and get a Reward Play bonus of that same amount.
• Cupid’s Cash – A Valentine’s Day promo offering a chance at $1,000 CASH in hourly drawings, $10 in Reward Play, or a chance at a share of $500 CASH at slot tournaments held every 20 minutes.
• Double Play – Refer a friend for a new Club Metro account and earn your points, and your friend’s for 30 days.
• Early Bird – A chance to win $25,000 or up to $1,000 in Reward Play playing slots on a Sunday morning.
• New Members – Sign up for Club Metro and get $10 Reward Play. Get another $10 Reward Play by entering the secret code MOBILEAPP10 in the MYMotorCity mobile app.
• Night Owl – Invited Club Metro members have a chance to win $25,000 or up to $1,000 in Reward Play playing slots late on Saturday night.
• Secret Code Bonus – Invited Club Metro members can get a minimum of $10 in Reward Play by downloading the MYMotorCity Mobile App and entering their Secret Code.
• Sweetheart Slot Bonus – Another Valentine’s Day promo offering the chance to win up to $1,000 in Reward Play.

Slots

MotorCity Casino Hotel is home to 2,700 slots and video poker machines.

That means everything from traditional reel games to the newest five-reel and video games are available in denominations ranging from 1¢ to $100.

The slot area features an interactive audio/video system and the Lightning Link Lounge including 40 linked progressive jackpot slots.

Table games

MotorCity Casino Hotel doesn’t have the sheer number of table games you might find at the other Detroit casinos, but the list of different games is a lengthy and diverse one. They’ve got table games covered with 60, including everything from classic casino games to the latest trends.

Here’s a full list of the table games at MotorCity Casino Hotel:

• Blackjack
• Spanish 21
• TriLux Blackjack
• House Money Blackjack
• Super 4 Progressive Blackjack
• Buster Blackjack
• Roulette
• Single Zero Roulette
• Blaze Roulette
• Mini-Baccarat (Dragon Side Bet)
• Craps with Fire Bet
• Progressive Pai Gow Poker
• Progressive 3-Card Poker
• Progressive Mississippi Stud
• Progressive Ultimate Texas Hold’em
• Criss Cross Poker
• Casino War

Club Metro rewards program

Club Metro is MotorCity Casino Hotel’s player loyalty program.

The Program rewards members with comps for slots and table game play. Plus, it offers 3% comp back on most cash or credit purchases at MotorCity Casino Hotel.

Comps can be used for dining, shopping, spa treatments, and hotel getaways.

The Club Metro card also entitles users to a minimum 10% discount on food and retail purchases, hotel stays, shows at Sound Board, and spa treatment and services.

Every $15 in comps earned also entitles members to $5 in Reward Play.

Motor City Casino Michigan

Club Metro features four tiers all with increased earning potential, benefits, and discounts.

MotorCity Casino Hotel sportsbook

MotorCity Casino Hotel has a deep connection to Detroit sports as owner Marian Ilitch also owns the Detroit Red Wings (NHL) and Detroit Tigers (MLB).

The casino has long hosted viewing parties for Red Wings and Detroit Pistons games featuring food and drink specials and prize raffles.

Plus, it offers a free shuttle to home games at Little Caesars Arena and $10 in free Reward Play to anyone that visits the MotorCity Casino Hotel booth at the arena.

But with the FanDuel partnership, a retail sportsbook was bound to happen. And it did, opening shortly after the deal was announced. However, it also opened the week most sports canceled or postponed seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The gambling industry in Michigan eventually shut down completely for five months.

When MotorCity reopened in August, the two-story FanDuel Sportsbook was ready. MotorCity Casino Hotel converted its Chromatics and Spectators live music venues into a new sportsbook.

The two-story space features big screen TVs, plush seating, two bars, and several self-serve kiosks and betting windows.

MotorCity Casino Hotel poker room

MotorCity Casino Hotel is home to an 10-table poker room that offers Daily High Hand Jackpots, Bad Beat Jackpots, and No-Limit Texas Hold ‘Em and Pot-Limit Omaha cash games and tournaments.

Poker Room promotions also include a gas gift card giveaway to players putting in 40-plus hours at the tables.

The regular tournament schedule includes Bounty and Deepstack events three days a week and monthly guaranteed prizepool tournaments.

You can find out what’s happening at the MotorCity Casino Hotel Poker Room through the Bravo Poker Live App for Apple and Android mobile devices.

MotorCity Casino Hotel awarded a record “Bad Beat” jackpot of almost $569,000 in 2016.

MotorCity Casino Hotel amenities

The hotel at MotorCity Casino Hotel

MotorCity Casino Hotel launched a 400-room hotel, including 33 suites, in 2007.

The hotel does not have a pool, but there is a spa and fitness center available to hotel guests. The fitness center is open 24 hours a day for hotel guests.

There is also more than 67,000 square feet of function and banquet space on the property.

MotorCity Casino Hotel offers hotel packages that include everything from rooms to spa credit, dining credit, and free slot play.

Dining and entertainment

MotorCity Casino Hotel offers a wide selection of dining and entertainment options, including:

• Iridescence: Award winning fine dining restaurant
• Assembly Line Buffet: Award-winning buffet featuring American and international cuisine
• Little Caesars: Genuine Little Caesars Pizza and menu items
• The Lodge Diner: Dine on Detroit history say, night or late night
• Grand River Deli: Deli fare including burgers, corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, homemade soups, and salads
• Sweet Ride: Fresh-made pastries, gourmet cupcakes, spectacular cakes, and Starbucks coffee
• Strut Bar: Bar-top video slots in the heart of the casino
• The Lounge: More than your typical hotel bar with craft beers and cocktails
• Overdrive: Sound Board pre-show spot
• Headlights Lounge: Bar in the center of everything
• MotorCity Pit Stop: Beer, wine, and cocktails in the food court.
• Iridescence: The bar at Iridescence
• Radio Bar: House DJs and live remote broadcasts from the Detroit’s top radio stations
• Sound Board: Live entertainment venue with space for 2,400
• Chromatics and Spectators: Live music venue about to become the new MotorCity Casino Hotel sportsbook

All Michigan Casinos and Sportsbooks

MotorCity Casino Hotel history

In 1996, Michigan voters approved a proposal to build three new commercial casinos in Detroit. In 1997, Michigan lawmakers passed the Michigan Gaming Control & Revenue Act giving three projects the go ahead.

The temporary MotorCity Casino facility officially opened on Dec. 14, 1999.

The temporary home incorporated a building that once housed the Wagner Baking Company, famous for making Wonder Bread.

Permanent hotel and casino

The MotorCity Casino ownership group included the Mandalay Resort Group, Little Caesars Pizza billionaire Marian Ilitch, a group of more than 100 local investors dubbed Atwater Entertainment, and local investor Tom Celani.

In 2005, MGM Mirage, owners of the MGM Grand Detroit, acquired Mandalay Resort Group. Because Michigan law prohibits the ownership of more than one commercial casino, MGM Mirage was forced to sell one.

Ilitch became the sole owner of the MotorCity Casino at that time, paying $525 million for Mandalay’s 53.5% stake, $106 million for Atwater Entertainment’s 11.5% stake, and purchasing Celani’s 10% stake for an undisclosed amount.

At the time, Ilitch claimed buying the casino was a part of her family’s commitment to Detroit’s economic revival.

She went ahead with a $300 million expansion project that included construction of a 400-room, 17-story hotel tower. The new Motor City Casino Hotel opened for business in 2007.

MotorCity Casino Hotel now boasts being the only locally-owned and operated casino in Detroit.

The three Detroit commercial casinos combine to post record revenues of $1.454 billion in 2019. MotorCity Casino saw its highest revenue totals ever, with $493.6 million in annual revenue, second only to MGM Grand Detroit’s $623.5 million.