There are many ways in which you can gamble and you don’t have to always be using real money. That’s what happens in the new ‘Cannabis Casino’ concept that has been launched by Detroit’s The Reef.
Players will be able to try their luck on popular casino games such as blackjack, roulette, slot machines and craps. It’s the prizes that can be won where this all becomes very interesting. They include cannabis products or being given store credits.
It’s believed that this is the first time this concept has been seen in the US. The Reef say that as their customers are not gambling real money, this makes it easier for them to run the casino with additional legal considerations not coming into play.
Back when slot machines were first introduced, they didn’t have cash prizes. If you have ever wondered why fruit became so popular as a slot game symbol but there weren’t apples or bananas, here’s why. To try and convince authorities that the new slot machines weren’t there for gambling purposes, the prizes won were different flavors of chewing gum.
Fast forward many decades and we have a similar situation with the Cannabis Casino. The Reef have come up with this idea in partnership with Jason Kouza of Dort Hwy Diso. They are a dispensary in Flint and it’s hoped it’ll be a big success.
The Reef is one of the first cannabis dispensaries to open in the city. Medicinal cannabis dispensaries were legalized in 2008. Despite that being the case it wasn’t until ten years later that recreational sales were allowed. Lawsuits followed and a modified ordinance was passed in 2022 allowing adult-use dispensaries to open this year.
How does the Cannabis Casino work? Well, customers need to spend a set amount of cash with them and this sees them given reward points. It’s these points that are the currency on the Cannabis Casino rather than the usual situation with online casinos.
Those see players having to pump real cash into their accounts and then use it to play the games on offer. When players join up there is the chance to receive some free bets. If registering with one, it’s important to find out as much as you can about their online casino bonuses.
At the Cannabis Casino, a customer will be able to play a game if they’ve spent $25. Spending double that amount will give them two chances to win at the casino. Customers will also have the option to save up their points. This could allow them to be heading for the blackjack table for an extended session.
McDonald’s ‘Monopoly’ game has enjoyed great success. The Reef recently launched a game that is similar to that run by the fast food company. This sees their customers given the opportunity to win up to $100,000 cash or a trip for two to the Caribbean. Another prize sees a winner given free pot for the rest of their life. There’s also the opportunity to win a kit that will see them able to grow cannabis plants in their home.
Other promotions available at The Reef include scratch-off cards and pull tabs. These have proved to be very successful and it’s hoped the Cannabis Casino will also prove to be a big hit.
The Reef certainly believes that will be the case. They already plan to introduce the Cannabis Casino concept to their Muskegon Heights location. There are also plans to open more dispensaries in Hamtramck and Detroit. That’s good news for locals with between 20 and 30 new jobs being created.
It’s believed that the idea of a Cannabis Casino may be an important step to be taken for the cannabis retail industry. Its introduction is a new way for stronger links to be built up between the customers and the cannabis dispensary that they use.
For The Reef, the aim is that it will make them look different from their competitors, while also giving their customers a good time. Buying cannabis products and then enjoying the thrills of playing casino games sounds a great idea.
There’s the excitement of wondering whether the next card drawn might see you get a win. Will your lucky number live up to its name when used on the roulette wheel? Just what will happen on the next spin of the reels on a slot machine? With the prizes being cannabis related, then that’s going to delight anyone who does get a win.
It will be interesting to see how the authorities react to the introduction of the Cannabis Casino. The Cannabis Regulatory Agency is believed to be investigating the casino. However, the fact that real cash isn’t being used for the gambling side of the project is likely to help The Reef avoid any problems.
