Can Gaming, Cannabis Coexist? Nevada Experts, Policy Leaders Explore Options

Could the major gaming and cannabis industries ever coexist in Nevada? Policy experts, industry insiders and local leaders are discussing the possibilities under state law, all aimed at giving tourists and residents more consumer options.

The UNLV Cannabis Policy Institute and the UNLV International Gaming Institute recently hosted a panel discussion on federal regulations, state and local laws, and industry leaders’ interest in gaming and marijuana.

Chairman Tick Segerblom took part in the panel and told FOX5 that some resort owners are looking to the future.

“They see synergy, especially with food and entertainment,” Segerblom said.

“We’re going to be talking more and more about how these two industries can come together,” said Riana Durrett of UNLV’s Cannabis Policy Institute, which was established in 2023 to help government and medicine navigate the new legal frontiers of marijuana regulation.

Only major changes at the federal level would allow Nevada to envision a distant scenario: a marijuana dispensary or casino lounge. Marijuana is currently still a Schedule I substance, and federal leaders are moving toward a Schedule III classification. Federal banking laws also prohibit marijuana sales and transactions, a barrier to federally regulated casinos.

“Attitudes have changed dramatically in the last 10 years,” Durrett said. Since Nevada legalized recreational marijuana in 2017, many states have followed suit.

“We’re pretty far away from where we’ll see a consumption lounge or a point of sale in a casino, but that’s why I think it’s an interesting conversation. There are more opportunities that don’t involve going directly to a consumption lounge in a casino,” Durett said, noting options for changes to state and local laws that could mean smaller steps to provide consumers with more access.

One of the easier changes? Laws or regulations regarding cannabis deliveries.

“I think the ones that are the most up for discussion are things like banning legal delivery to the Strip corridor. There could be legal delivery to non-gaming venues on the Strip corridor, and that wouldn’t expose gaming venues to federal law,” Durett said.

State law also prohibits the delivery of marijuana outside of private residences. “I think that will be considered in this legislative session,” Durett said, telling FOX5 that state lawmakers are exploring changes to the policy.

Any changes would gradually make up for a decade of state and local restrictions.

In 2014, the Gaming Control Board warned licensees against participating in the cannabis industry. In 2017 and 2018, gaming regulators reaffirmed and expanded the bans, Durett said.

In 2017, Clark County banned legal delivery on the Strip.

In 2019, the legislature mandated a distance of 1,500 feet between gambling establishments and marijuana establishments.

The year 2024 ushered in a new era: legal cannabis salons.

Durett tells FOX5 that policymakers could consider easing regulations in the area, such as allowing gaming in consumer lounges off the Strip.

The next step was to survey casino leaders to find out how interested they would be in marijuana if federal restrictions were lifted.