Jordan couldn't be reached. Thirteen bingo games operate in Detroit now, most run one morning or evening weekly in a church or organization's hall. Most are small. The fairgrounds' exhibit hall would likely be the largest bingo hall in the city, about a third the size of the MGM Grand Detroit Casino. A charity bingo game is a popular part of the state fair each year, but runs only during the fair's two weeks.
Charitable gaming is big business in Michigan.
The ministers said the area desperately needs upgrading. Opponents say noise from the track and outdoor concerts would hurt the residential area. Nederlander leased the fairgrounds from the state for 50 years and plans six theaters, the track, an outdoor concert venue, an equestrian center and a children's theater. None of the information available about the project mentions the bingo hall. Nederlander has promised to help Lester's church build as many as 600 homes and apartments nearby, and bring restaurants, hotels and stores to the neighborhood.