The Greektown Casino-Hotel first opened its doors in 2000. It is based in the Greektown Historic District, a commercial and entertainment district in downtown Detroit. The site was originally owned by the Sault Tribe, a federally recognized Native American tribe. However, the ownership has changed hands a number of times and is now owned by Vici Properties and operated by Penn National Gaming.
This guide to the casino starts by looking at the colorful history of the Greektown Casino. Michigan’s changing gambling laws played a key role in the development. You can also find out about the current table and electronic games — and the varied non-gaming facilities at the site.
History of the Greektown Casino-Hotel
Up until the mid-1990s, casino gaming was effectively outlawed in Michigan. This led residents to cross into Ontario to play at the Windsor Casino (now Caesars Windsor). The lost revenue kicked the state legislature into action.
The Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act was put to voters in a referendum on November 5, 1996, which passed narrowly. It became law the following year, with work starting on three casino projects in Detroit. This act also allowed tribal casinos in Michigan to offer full class III gaming, including slots, blackjack, roulette and many other games.
The Greektown Casino-Hotel opened on November 10, 2000. The building that hosts the casino was originally owned by Traugott Schmidt, a fur trapper who used the site as a fur processing center. In 1985 the structure was turned into a five-story indoor mall known as Trapper’s Alley, and some of the architecture from that project remains intact. This history is also reflected in the casino’s Trappers Bar.
The Sault Tribe originally owned 90% of the site. However, after a bankruptcy, the casino was bought by Rock Gaming in 2013, which became Jack Entertainment. In 2016, there was a failed attempt to rename the casino “Jack Detroit Casino-Hotel Greektown”. Two years later, it was sold to Vici Properties, out of New York, for $1 billion.
Gaming at the Greektown Casino-Hotel
Many players head to Greektown Casino for the slots action. With nearly 3,000 electronic games on the casino floor, there is something for everyone. The games range from just 1 cent per spin to slots and video poker machines where you can play for up to $100 per spin.
Greektown highlights three of their progressive jackpot games on their website. Each of these offers a progressive jackpot and these numbers can become huge. For example, recent jackpots on these three games were: Buffalo Grand, $14,500; Lightning Link, $20,000; $1 Wheel of Fortune. $350,000.
Many other slots have opportunities to win big. Some have progressives, others have bonus features or wilds to link up the highest paying combinations over multiple lines. Here are some of the popular ranges of slots you will find at the Greektown Casino in Detroit.
Buffalo Slots
Buffalo started off as an unremarkable though solid video slot featuring native US wildlife. It has evolved into one of the most popular ranges of slot games at casinos around Michigan. You can now find Buffalo Grand, Gold, Stampede, Diamond and even mechanical 3-reel variations of this game. Each keeps the spirit of the original, adding new bonus features and unusual reel setups.
Quick Hits
Bally’s Quick Hit slots allow you to win jackpots for getting special logo symbols anywhere on the reels. Like the Buffalo slots, the concept now spans many different games ranging from electro-mechanical to the latest big-screen video slots. Quick Hit slots feature lively free spins features and now come in a range of exotic themes.
Lightning Link and Dragon Link
Lightning Link slots from Aristocrat were the first games to feature the “Hold and Spin” style of bonus. This has since been copied (or adapted) by every major slot producer. Lightning Link has many themes, ranging from gambling to volcanic islands. The Dragon Link range has similar game play. These games take the hold and spin concept and give it an Asian twist. Both ranges give you a shot at winning linked progressive jackpots.
Table games at Greektown Casino-Hotel
There is a wide selection of gaming options at the 61 tables at the Greektown Casino. Here is a rundown of all of the popular table games and side bets:
- Blackjack
- Perfect Pairs Blackjack
- Trilux BJ with Lucky George
- 21+3 with Dealer Envy
- Double Deck Blackjack
- Roulette
- Craps with Fire Bet
- Crapless Craps with Fire Bet
- Dragon Bonus Baccarat
- Dragon Bonus Commission Free Baccarat
- Face Up Pai Gow Poker
- Mississippi Stud 3 Card Bonus
- Three Card Poker, Six Card Bonus
- Four Card Poker Bad Beat Bonus
- Let It Ride with Three Card Bonus Poker
- Ultimate Texas Hold’em
- High Card Flush
Greektown Casino poker room
The Greektown Casino features a poker room comprised of 12 tables, where players can enjoy both Texas Hold’em and Omaha poker. Cash tables are available 24/7 and the following tournaments can be enjoyed:
- The Wednesday Senior: Taking place weekly on Wednesday at 2 p.m., this event has a $65 buy-in (with the recommendation that you add an extra $5 as “dealer appreciation”). The event is open to players 55 or older, and players start with 3,000 chips.
- Saturday No-Limit Texas Hold’em: This weekly event has a buy-in of $60 and features an optional bounty of $10 and $5 suggested “dealer appreciation”. Late registration is available for this event, which starts at 11.30 a.m.
- Sunday No-Limit Texas Hold’em: This Sunday mirrors the Saturday event, except that it happens 24 hours later, with the same 11.30 a.m. start time.
There are also opportunities to win jackpots while playing poker.
The first of these is the “Mini Beat Money” promotion. If you have quads or better and are unlucky enough to lose the hand, you will be awarded an immediate $1,000 in cash. The winning player will be awarded a $500 bonus.
The “High Hand” bonus payment is available Sunday through Thursday from noon to 2 a.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight. The hand must surpass the current high hand to qualify and the payouts are $300 when playing Hold’em and $200 when playing Omaha.
Sports betting at Greektown Casino in Detroit
Sports betting takes place at “The Sportsbook” at Greektown Casino-Hotel. This is located on the upper level near the Trappers Bar. Many bets are possible on major and collegiate sports including straight bets, parlays, match ups, futures, prop bets and more. There are four live betting windows, as well as 40 self-service betting kiosks. Betting opportunities are available on football, baseball, boxing, basketball, hockey, UFC, and many other sports.
A Bet Builder app is also available, which gives you an opportunity to build a custom bet on one of your own devices. You can check the latest lines, plan your bets, and see what they could pay. You will then receive a QR code which you can show to the teller to receive your live ticket.
The sportsbook is open from 9 a.m. to midnight from Sunday to Thursday and from 9 a.m. till 2 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
MyChoice rewards program at Greektown Casino-Hotel
If you play at Greektown, you can bet on some benefits via the MyChoice rewards program. This program covers more than 35 Penn National Gaming locations across the country.
Benefits include bonus play at slots, discounts for hotel stays and restaurants, exclusive competitions for members and invitations to special events.
There are five tiers as part of the loyalty program – Choice, Advantage, Preferred, Elite and Owners Club. To move through the tiers, you have to earn a set number of points, which then head your way for play at the casino.
The benefits of membership get better as you climb the levels; here are some of the highlights:
- Access to entertainment pre-sales (all levels)
- Access to exclusive hotel sales (all levels)
- Savings on Norwegian Cruise Line (Advantage level and up)
- VIP lounge access (Preferred level and up)
- Complimentary valet parking (Preferred level and up)
- VIP parking (Elite level and up)
- Priority lines at restaurants, player’s club, and hotel (Elite level and up)
- Complimentary early hotel check-in/late check-out upon request (Owners Club)
- Birthday dinner with your host (Owners Club)
- Priority access to promotions and events (Owners Club)
Greektown Casino-Hotel event center
The Greektown Casino-Hotel features a Grand Ballroom, which is often used for wedding receptions. The casino is ideal for corporate events too. There is over 20,000 square feet of convention and banquet space, which includes 11 break-out rooms, the Grand Ballroom and state of the art audio-visual equipment. An executive boardroom and a business center are available for private meetings.
You can also plan a group trip to the casino directly. Motor coaches and individual tour operators run excursions to the Greektown Casino Hotel, which often include special discounts for both group leaders and passengers.
400 hotel rooms
The hotel features a total of 400 rooms. Customers can book deluxe guest rooms, executive rooms, and luxury suites. Each room features Wi-Fi, a Keurig, bottled water and cable, and guests can enjoy the use of the fitness center at the casino hotel.
On-site parking in the garage is offered, as is valet service. For full use of these amenities, it will cost $14.99, which includes a $5 in-house food and beverage credit.
Dining at the Greektown Casino-Hotel
There are five dining options at the casino hotel:
- Prism – This luxurious steakhouse setting allows you to enjoy live music from some of Detroit’s most renowned artists while you eat. The menu offers top-quality steaks and seafood, all designed by accomplished chefs. The wine and drink list will provide you with the perfect accompaniment.
- Noodle Art – Enjoy traditional Japanese ramen dishes with a Detroit twist in this pop-culture-themed Asian restaurant.
- Bistro 555 – The perfect place to choose what you eat buffet-style as you take a break from the gaming tables. This restaurant offers something for everyone.
- Monroe Market – Reminiscent of a street market, this 11,000-square-foot space features six fast-casual eateries, all situated around a contemporary dining area. Each of the six eateries offers its own style and cuisine.
- Stack’d – Ideal for a quick snack, grab something to eat on the go at this casual hotspot and take it back to your hotel room or into the casino.
Online partnerships with Greektown Casino-Hotel
Because it’s owned by Penn National, HollywoodCasino.com is the online partner for the Greektown Casino. Penn Online Entertainment (a subsidiary of Penn National Gaming) inked a five-year deal with IGT (International Gaming Technology) in 2018. You can enjoy both a free-play online casino and paid games through the casino website. On entering the free version, you will be awarded an immediate 75,000 free bonus credits.
Visit Greektown Casino-Hotel
Greektown Casino-Hotel is one of the premium gaming settings in Michigan. With nearly 3,000 slots to enjoy, encompassing jackpots and all types of themes and game styles, players are spoiled for choice.
The same could be said about the table game selection, where classic formats such as roulette, blackjack and baccarat are joined by a series of other innovative games and side bets to be won. Poker players can enjoy both cash games and regular weekly tournaments, with both Hold’em and Omaha featured. The huge hotel, the events and the series of restaurants ensure the Greektown Casino-Hotel ticks every box for a good time, whether you’re on vacation or simply enjoying this Detroit classic close to home.