Experts in gaming, cannabis policy, and state government say expanding access to legal, regulated cannabis in Las Vegas could bolster tourism. It could also support the broader gaming industry. This is especially important as visitation softens. Moreover, competition for consumer spending grows.
That consensus view emerged Friday during a panel at UNLV’s Cannabis Policy Institute and International Gaming Institute’s 3rd Annual Gaming & Cannabis Policy Discussion. The event brought together industry stakeholders and policymakers. They examined how Nevada’s cannabis regulations intersect with its tourism economy.
Themes in Gaming
A central theme was that current restrictions may limit consumer choice in a market where Las Vegas competes with other destinations and entertainment options. Speakers highlighted the gap between visitor behavior in social settings and how regulated products are segregated under Nevada law.
“The idea that we’ve limited one aspect of our tourism economy is ridiculous,” state Sen. Rochelle Nguyen said. “To think the cannabis industry is outside of our other tourism industry is naive, inaccurate, and not what’s happening out there in the tourism corridor. We got this wrong in some areas. We had good intentions, but as we move forward, this industry is changing.”
University researcher Robin Goldstein, who presented findings at the event, argued that limited cannabis access within casino environments may be a drag on tourism. Therefore, he called for regulatory reconsideration.
Industry perspectives echoed the idea that regulated cannabis could function as another amenity in Las Vegas’ hospitality ecosystem. This is similar to how nightlife and entertainment offerings have evolved within casino resorts over time.
“A year ago, we hadn’t faced a terrible summer with double-digit visitation decreases or the rise of prediction markets competing directly with casinos,” said Fifth Street Gaming CEO Seth Schorr. “Things haven’t improved. The casino industry faces strong competition.”
Schorr described cannabis as one of several potential “tools in the tool box” for operators looking to differentiate offerings and attract visitors, particularly non-loyalty customers who are not part of casino marketing databases.
“Our carded play, from players club members, is up, but non-carded play is significantly down,” Schorr said. “I think cannabis would have an impact. It wouldn’t be a one size fits all strategy. Some casinos would likely say no even if it’s legal.” He added that different operators could take widely different approaches if regulations were updated. For example, some might offer limited controlled access, while others could create more immersive brand experiences.
“Many others would allow it in a highly regulated way, and some might change their brand to a cannabis-first hotel, creating a unique cannabis experience. We’re a creative industry, and with that option, operators would come up with compelling reasons to visit our city.”
Political Concerns
State Assemblyman Max Carter pointed to another barrier: federal banking and regulatory oversight. He said this creates hesitation among casino operators even when state law permits certain activities.
Carter said casinos’ biggest concern is falling under banking rules subject to federal oversight and audits. The risk of a federal offense occurring on or near their properties, even if legal in Nevada, worries the industry.
He has proposed legislation to allow cannabis deliveries to non-gaming businesses on the Strip, though he said resistance remains strong in parts of the casino industry, even as some stakeholders show openness to reform.
Still, panelists emphasized that regulatory change is not simple. Operators raised concerns about internal controls, guest access, and delivery logistics inside hotels, even if legalization frameworks expanded.
Not everything is as simple as changing laws, Schorr said. Many operators don’t want delivery people dropping off products to rooms due to internal access controls. Changing the law won’t affect hotels’ ability to control room access.
Nguyen said meaningful reform will likely require coordination among legislators, regulators, and industry stakeholders. In addition, she acknowledged federal uncertainty remains a complicating factor for Nevada.
“The big elephant in the room is we still need to see some change on the federal level,” Nguyen said. “Everyone kind of hides behind that and with good reason. We don’t want to disrupt our gaming industry by gambling on what the federal government is going to do.”
Nevada’s next legislative session is scheduled for 2027. In the meantime, industry and policy advocates can continue refining proposals as debates over cannabis access and tourism strategy continue to evolve.
Plans for the Future
William Hill has launched a new sports betting kiosk at the historic Hotel Nevada in Ely. The kiosk gives bettors 24-7 access to the sportsbook’s extensive sports betting menu and mobile app deposits. Hill, which has the same menu as owner Caesars Sportsbook, also recently launched kiosks at Barton’s Club 93 hotel-casino in Jackpot. Also, new kiosks are open at Verdi Grillhouse outside of Reno.
“Hotel Nevada holds a special place in Nevada’s history, and we’re incredibly proud to usher this iconic Ely landmark into its next chapter with state‑of‑the‑art sports betting through William Hill,” Hotel Nevada general manager BJ Richardson said in a statement.
Hotel Nevada opened in 1929 and, at six stories high, was the tallest building in Nevada at the time. The property became a popular stop for celebrities traveling between California and Sun Valley, Idaho. Notable visitors included actors Ingrid Bergman, Gary Cooper and Jimmy Stewart.
Macao had its weakest month of the year in April, winning $2.46 billion (U.S.) from gamblers for the month. However, analysts are encouraged by a strong start to May resulting from the kickoff of a national holiday.
Macao’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau on Thursday reported gaming win for the Chinese enclave was up 5.5 percent over April 2025. For the first four months of 2026, casinos in Macao won $10.63 billion from players, a 12.1 percent increase over a year ago.
By comparison, the Nevada Gaming Control Board announced last week that the state’s casinos won $1.427 billion from its patrons in the month of March. March win in Macao was $2.8 billion.
Anne Ling, an analyst with Jefferies Equity Research listed Las Vegas-based Wynn Resorts Ltd. and Hong Kong’s Galaxy Gaming as viable investments in the Macao market, recently downgrading MGM Resorts International.
Eric Butler is a Contributor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on Instagram and X via @ReportandOpine
