The Michigan Gaming Control Board marking the 20th anniversary Michigan gaming and revenue act on Monday said that the three casinos from Detroit have paid in taxes, a total of $4.5 billion to the Michigan state and Detroit city, ever since the launch of commercial gambling in the city.

Gov. John Engler signed the legislation that allowed up to three commercial casinos in Detroit along with the establishment of gaming control board on July 17, 1997.

The current tax rates are 8.1% to the state and 10.9%, to the city on casinos net gains were amended in the year 2004.

With the first casino being MGM Grand Detroit, the board started issuing licenses on July 28, 1999, and then MotorCity Casino Hotel got its license on December 14 the very year and lastly the Greektown Casino Hotel on November 10, the following year in 2000.

About 6800 employees at the casinos have been licensed through the board. The casinos have paid $1.9 billion in casino tax revenue for public education and $2.6 billion in wagering taxes to the city since the legislation came into effect.

More than 4000 people have voluntarily got themselves banned from the three casinos in Detroit since the gaming board started this program in 2001.