A survey by the University of Nevada Las Vegas shows that 70% of respondents expressed support for including a cannabis smoking lounge or a designated consumption area within a casino-resort.
70% of People Support Cannabis Lounges in Casinos, Survey Shows
Conducted among 620 people from all across the US, aged 21 and older, and according to it, the vast majority of people want a reconsideration of Nevada’s policy prohibiting any connections between casino gaming and cannabis. Among the 70% of survey respondents who supported allowing cannabis use in casinos, just over 25% agreed, another 25% strongly agreed, and just under 20% somewhat agreed. Fewer than 20% disagreed, while approximately 13% were neutral. The survey also asked whether hotel guests were in favor of cannabis smoking rooms similar to those for cigarette smokers, and about 68% expressed agreement.
In addition, around 40% of respondents said they would be more likely to gamble at a resort if cannabis consumption were permitted while gambling. In contrast, 29% indicated they would be less likely to gamble under those conditions. Regarding cannabis use while gambling, 23% said they would use it less, 50% said their usage would remain the same, and only about 5% said they would use it more. When asked how cannabis consumption would affect their gambling behavior, 58% said it wouldn’t change, 25% said they would gamble more, and 18% said they would gamble less.
Slightly more than one-third of survey respondents reported having used cannabis while gambling, with the majority of those indicating they did so less than half the time. Nearly two-thirds said they have never consumed cannabis while gambling.
What do Experts Say on the Topic?
According to CPI director Riana Durrett, the Nevada Gaming Control Board and the Cannabis Compliance Board should collaborate on a joint report to explore the potential future relationship between gaming and cannabis. Durrett also explained that the study was motivated by the concern that cannabis consumption might reduce individuals’ interest in gambling. However, she noted that existing literature did not support this assumption. This prompted the research to explore whether cannabis use leads people to gamble less, more, or does not affect their gambling habits.
Meanwhile, CPI research director Marla Royne Stafford noted that there is a relationship between cannabis use and gambling behavior. However, she added that future research could reveal more nuanced differences. Stafford also explained that nearly 60% of respondents said their gambling habits would remain unchanged, suggesting the connection between the two activities may not be as strong as initially assumed.
In addition, Stafford noted that while smoking cannabis is currently prohibited in casinos, unlike tobacco, cannabis can be consumed in multiple forms. Considering the implications if its use were legalized in that setting is thought-provoking. It’s a noteworthy finding that warrants further exploration, according to Stafford.