Detroit Weed Dispensary Launches First Cannabis Casino In US

Article ByDavid Weir

April 14, 2023

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Posted in: Michigan Gambling News, US Casino News, US Gambling News

A previously failing cannabis dispensary in Detroit, Michigan, has come up with an innovative way to get customers through the doors. The Reef dispensary, located on Eight Mile Road in the Motor City, has become what’s believed to be the first cannabis shop in the US to add casino gaming to the menu.  

Visitors to the shop who buy marijuana or related products can accrue points, which can then be used to gamble on in-store blackjack, roulette, and slot machines. The prizes include more store credits, free products, and more.

“As far as I know, nobody in the country has done it,” The Reef spokesman Tim Campbell told the Detroit Metro Times.

Dope and Dopamine

The Reef dispensary is already used to being somewhat of a pioneer. It was one of the first few medical marijuana dispensaries to open in Detroit in 2014. However, what was initially a successful business turned sour, when in 2018, nearby Michigan cities legalized recreational cannabis.

Because of a series of pending lawsuits in Detroit at the time, the city did not immediately follow suit in changing over from the medical-only market to recreational. The Reef was suddenly faced overnight with losing a huge portion of its customer base.

“We shut down the shop, figured it was as good a time as any to give the place a facelift,” Campbell said.

Detroit then passed a recreational cannabis bill in 2022. The Reef was among the shops that reopened in a fully legal market.

The addition of the points-based casino gaming concept was a no-brainer for The Reef management. They realized there were no legal considerations involved in their cashless games.

“It’s a little bit of that ‘dope and dopamine’ effect,” Campbell joked with reporters.

The Reef customers get more points the more they purchase from the store. For every $25, you get one spin on the game of your choice.

Or for those who want to let the points accrue over regular visits, points can be saved up for a long session of gaming at the roulette wheel, craps table, or blackjack.

Related: For actual cash prizes gambling online in the Great Lakes State, try our guide to the Best Michigan Poker Sites.

Marijuana Monopoly

As well as casino games, The Reef also offers lottery and scratch-off tickets (all with in-store prizes).

There’s even a “Monopoly” style game, with a board and stickers. Prizes include free weed for life, luxury holidays, high-end cannabis paraphernalia, and even grow your own plant kits and lessons.

“We’ve got some real good pricing. But you know, a lot of people have good pricing. So, you got to set yourself apart and have the experience above and beyond just coming in and purchasing a product. We want to make it a little bit more of a fun and enjoyable experience from top to bottom,” Campbell said.

The owners already have plans to expand their cannabis casino concept to other locations in the Detroit area. In addition, they want open two new dispensaries, and create a dozen or so local jobs over the next year.