Get Lucky in Detroit: A Guide to Casino Fun and Experiences

Story by Sarah Bence

What are the best casinos to visit in Detroit?

Feeling lucky? Try your hand at one of Detroit’s casinos, or better yet, make a full vacation out of it! This is everything you need to know about planning a trip around Detroit’s casino scene (plus: a bonus casino across the river).

1. MGM Grand

What makes it unique: Ultra-luxury, Spa, and Sportsbook

Give gambling a go at MGM Grand, one of Detroit’s best (and biggest) casinos. With nearly 3,500 slots and video poker, as well as 150 table games, there’s space for everyone.

Done with the slots? Head over to the BetMGM Sports Lounge, where you can enjoy sports betting from plush leather seats, an extensive high top bar, and, of course, many huge TVs.

When you need to let off (or in?) some steam, make an appointment at MGM Grand’s IMMERSE spa, which spans 20,000 square-feet and includes an indoor pool and many treatment options.

Make it a Getaway: You don’t need to sleep far from the slots when you stay at MGM Grand Hotel, a Marriott hotel. The casino-hotel has 400 rooms spread across 18 floors, each with a touch of the brand’s signature luxury style.

You can also eat on-site at one of MGM Grand’s four signature dining options:

- D.PRIME Steakhouse: An upscale steakhouse with an international twist on steaks and seafood.
Detroit Central Market: A trendy urban food hall with cuisine from around the world (including Detroit coney dogs, obviously!).

- TAP at MGM Grand Detroit: A classic pub and sports bar, featuring comfort food classics and Michigan craft beers.

- The Roasted Bean: A 24-hour café featuring delicious coffee, hand-made pastries, salads, and more.
Detroit awaits you just beyond the MGM Grand’s doors, so be sure to do some exploring. It’s not far to reach Brooklyn Street Local or Dime Store for a local-favorite brunch, Lafayette Coney Island for one of Detroit’s most iconic coney dogs, or Bucharest Bar and Grill for well-priced shawarma and Middle Eastern fare.

MGM Grand is downtown, meaning you’ll be well-positioned for many of Detroit’s best entertainment options. Check out a show at Fox Theatre, or catch a game pre-casino session at Little Caesars Arena, Ford Field, or Comerica Park. You can also visit the Detroit International Riverwalk for a scenic stroll.

2. Hollywood Casino

What makes it unique: Food, Walkability, Nightlife

Located in the bustling Greektown district, Hollywood Casino is a casino-hotel that’s right in the heart of Detroit’s action. The casino itself is over 100,000 square feet and certainly one of Michigan’s best.

See if the odds are in your favor at one of the 2,200+ slot and video poker machines, or check out the exclusive Baccarat Room where bets are allowed up to $10,000.

Make it a Getaway: Stay at the Hollywood Casino Hotel to be close to the slots, but also within walking distance of many of downtown Detroit’s best sites. The 30-story hotel has 400 rooms and suites, which all include special touches like Keurig coffee makers, Bluetooth speakers and alarm clocks, large TVs, and of course a safe to keep your future jackpot in.

Getting hungry? You’ll find a wide array of choices here. Dine at one of Hollywood Casino’s seven on-site restaurants and bars:

- Prism: Enjoy steaks, seafood, and skylines at Hollywood Casino’s fine dining restaurant.
Red Lotus: A fast-casual restaurant focused on Asian cuisine.

- 313 Burger Bar: This All-American restaurant serves up burgers, coney dogs, wings, and more.

- Rock Bar: From craft beer to cocktails, and mozzarella sticks to Detroit-style pizza, this sports bar provides the perfect fuel for viewing the big game.

- ESPN BET Restaurant: Featuring a 30-foot video wall displaying all the best sports games, this restaurant also has an extensive menu with all your pub favorites.

- Dunkin: You’re already familiar with this popular chain, serving up hot coffee, pastries, and sandwiches.

- Market Express: This high-tech market serves up snacks and convenience food without the checkout lines.

In terms of entertainment, Hollywood Casino partners with Music Hall Center for the Performing Artists to bring top-tier artists to Detroit, so be sure to book your tickets before your visit.

Thanks to the casino’s convenient location, you’re also perfectly positioned to explore downtown Detroit. In just a 10-minute stroll, you can be at Ford Field or Comerica Park. You can also go window shopping along Woodward Avenue, admire the downtown architecture, and more, all without needing to drive.

3. MotorCity Casino

What makes it unique: Music Venue, Events, and Local Flair

MotorCity Casino is a truly Detroit experience. As Detroit’s only locally-owned and operated casino, you’ll notice nods throughout to Detroit’s motor and music history, ranging from its music wall (where vinyls by top artists hang) to its local philanthropic efforts. The casino has 2,500+ slot games and an extensive table games section.

For sports lovers, head to FanDuel Sportsbook which is two-stories and has multiple bars and comfortable seating. You won’t get bored between the eight betting windows, nearly 70 large screen TVs, 40+ betting kiosks, and more.

Make it a Getaway: Stay the night at MotorCity Casino Hotel, which has 400 luxurious rooms, as well as a spa and fitness center.

There are also six on-site dining options, ranging from classic Little Caesars pizza, to Chinese food at Red Lantern, to smash burgers at Grand River Deli & Burgers, and more.

One of the biggest draws of staying at MotorCity Casino is its music venue: Sound Board. The theater has 2,400 seats and hosts everything from top comics, bands, instrumentalists, and singer-songwriters to even boxing matches and game shows. Visitors often say that every seat is a good seat at Sound Board, so book yours now. You can also dance the night away at Radio Bar, which has live DJs every Friday and Saturday night.

If you’re more sports inclined, you’ll be happy to hear that MotorCity Casino also provides free shuttle service to Lions, Tigers, Pistons, and Red Wings games.

Additionally, with free valet parking it’s that much easier to use your own wheels to explore Detroit beyond downtown. Perhaps take a side trip to the new Michigan Central in Corktown, head over to Eastern Market (which also has easy parking), or stop by The Henry Ford in Dearborn on your journey in or out of Detroit.

4. Bonus: Caesars Windsor

What makes it unique: Cross-Border Travel and High Bets

Why not pack your passport and head across the bridge to Canada, where you can try your luck in Windsor, Ontario? Caesars Windsor is a landmark in the panoramic view across the Detroit River. This casino-hotel is open 24/7, and home to over 1,700 slot machines and 85 table games, making it a destination in its own rite. It’s also a good place for big spenders (this is where you’ll find the highest betting limits in the Detroit area).

Stop by Caesars Sportsbook, located right by the casino’s sports bar, where you can bet on professional sports at betting counters and kiosks, while enjoying large-screen TVs and surround sound.

Poker fans should plan their visit for a Friday or Sunday, when Caesars hosts poker tournaments.

Make it a Getaway: You can easily visit Caesars Windsor on a day trip from Detroit, while basing yourself at one of Detroit’s many hotels. Alternatively, spend a night in one of Caesars Windsor’s 750+ sophisticated rooms. The hotel also features an indoor pool and fitness center.

There’s no shortage of dining and drinking choices, either; Caesars is home to six restaurants and seven bars. Whether it’s a platter of pasta from Spago Trattoria, crispy chicken tenders or wings from Legends Sports Bar, or a juicy steak from Neros Steakhouse, you’ll find something to fill your craving.

If you’re staying the night, try to also catch a show at Caesar’s Colosseum. This 5,000-seat theater hosts music, dance, and comedy shows by top touring artists. You can also relax with live music at Cosmos (Caesar’s cocktail bar), dance the night away at ARIIUS nightclub, or witness the Detroit skyline in all its glory from VU bar.

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Author

Sarah Bence

Writer