Our hope is that the temporary becomes permanent. Economists and others say stores, clubs and restaurants were overly optimistic if they expected the temporary casinos to jump-start their businesses. Casino industry experts and economists expect 3.3 million gamblers to spend money at other spots around town. It's as many people that will attend Comerica Park this year. They are a parasite.
Some businesses say they've actually lost customers since the casinos opened.
But they park, go in the sky walk, gamble, go back through the sky walk and go home. Mac's owner, Maureen McAllister, said her evening crowd vanished when MGM Grand opened. I don't see any improvement in city services. At the Temple Trumbull Market, a block from MotorCity Casino, owners repainted and renovated their party store in anticipation of new customers. Our business picked up a little, but not like we thought it would.