About Hollywood Casino Greektown in Michigan
Hollywood Casino Greektown opened in Michigan in 2000, just a few months after MotorCity Casino. However, plans to open the casino formed far earlier than that.
In 1988, developers Ted Gatzaros and Jim Papas sought to open a casino in Detroit and began working with the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. The men announced a plan in 1992 that would’ve donated 0.7 acres to the Tribe, which would then build and operate the casino in Greektown.
However, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) required the governor to sign off on casino construction for all gambling facilities on tribal lands built after 1988, even if the state’s voters had already voted in approval.
Michigan Governor John Engler struck down the plan, citing concerns that approval would lead to further casino expansion throughout the state.
To work around the blockage, Michigan voters approved the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act in 1996. This new law allowed three privately owned and operated casinos to open in Detroit.
Since opening at “Greektown Casino,” the venue has undergone several ownership changes and rebrands. Its current owners, Vici Properties and PENN Entertainment, purchased the operation in May 2019.
Today, the casino has more than 2,200 slot machines and electronic games available to its guests, along with 61 table games.
Because the casino is operated by PENN Entertainment, casino guests can join the PENN Play Member Rewards program. Rewards can include casino and sportsbook credits, discounted hotel stays, travel reimbursement, luxury cruises, and more!
Can you wager on sports at Hollywood Casino Greektown?
Yes, you can wager on sports at Hollywood Casino Greektown. The casino opened a retail sportsbook in December 2020 while partnering with Barstool Sportsbook; it would later rebrand as ESPN Bet Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Greektown.
The sportsbook features a bar and restaurant on the upper level and Michigan sports betting windows and kiosks on the lower level. The 30-foot video wall is a fantastic way to watch a game, and the elevated bar food and drink menus are sure to please.
Partnership between Hollywood Casino Greektown and ESPN Bet Sportsbook
Hollywood Casino Greektown offers retail sports betting because PENN Entertainment owns both the casino and the ESPN Bet Sportsbook MI brand. Originally, Barstool Sportsbook was the face of PENN’s sportsbook brand, but PENN sold the company back to Barstool founder Dave Portnoy in August 2023, citing difficulties in establishing the operation.
Since the rebranding, ESPN Bet has thrived, both at Hollywood Casino Greektown and in its online platform. To date, ESPN Bet is the fourth-most used sports betting app in Michigan, trailing BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings.
Other kinds of gambling that Hollywood Casino Greektown offers
Here is a list of the kinds of gambling that Hollywood Casino Greektown offers.