Detroit casinos protest possible closure

DETROIT, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Lawyers for Detroit’s three casinos are urging the state not to force them to close in the event state services are shut down by a budget stalemate.

The MGM Grand Detroit, Motor City and Greektown casinos say there is no compelling reason to close down gaming just because the Michigan Legislature can’t resolve it differences over a new state budget.

The attorneys appeared before the Gaming Control Board Friday and said there did not appear to be a state policy requiring casinos to close whenever government services are suspended.

The closure is called for because state officials monitor the casinos’ operations, including the count rooms.

At the same time, the three casinos generate about $1 million in tax revenues every day for the state and city, the Detroit Free Press said.