Here's a casino idea that has nothing to do with Kirk Kerkorian and General Motors, at least not directly.
While the city of Detroit waits to see if and when there will be permanent casino/hotels built in the Motor City, there's another attraction that might be worth including on one of the properties.
How about a new-car dealership?
Two casinos in Las Vegas have dealerships on the grounds selling high-priced iron. Caesars Palace has a dealership that sells previously owned exotic and luxury models.
But farther down the Strip, the newly opened Wynn Las Vegas resort has a Ferrari and Maserati dealership that's co-owned by Roger Penske's UnitedAuto Group.
In Detroit, there aren't many new-car dealerships close to downtown, where GM's Renaissance Center headquarters is. GM's HQ on the Detroit River is within walking distance of the temporary casinos and within a mile or so of the riverfront property where one or more permanent casino/hotel/resorts could land.
What a place for a showcase urban dealership, eh?
Neither Vegas casino dealership is likely to survive if it has to rely on lucky jackpot winners to buy the expensive cars. Nor could a similar dealership in Detroit. They'll both need to attract other customers who work in the area.
Who knows? The concept also might work in Detroit.
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