Casinos

In 1997, Detroit [1] voters approved a controversial referendum permitting casino gambling within city limits. Over a decade later, three casinos are now open—and remain controversial. Whether gambling is the struggling inner city’s angel or devil is still being decided not only at the craps tables, but in the hearts of residents.

For those who enjoy rolling the dice, options include MGM Grand Casino (1300 John C. Lodge Fwy., 877/888-2121, www.mgmgranddetroit.com [2]), a flashy, art deco palace that draws its inspiration from the Hollywood of yesteryear.

Motown in all its glory provides the theme for Detroit’s [1] own MotorCity Casino (2901 Grand River Ave., 877/777-0711, www.motorcitycasino.com [3]), housed in a former Wonder Bread warehouse and connected by skywalks to downtown restaurants and parking.

The Greektown Casino (555 E. Lafayette Blvd., 313/223-2999, www.greektowncasino.com [4]) is the city’s most spacious, with Las Vegas–style gaming and easy access to the city’s liveliest neighborhood. All have on-site restaurants and varying degrees of entertainment.