High Stakes & High Times: 70% of Americans Support Marijuana Use at Casinos and Resorts

High Stakes & High Times: Most Americans Want Marijuana Allowed at Casinos and Resorts

A new poll conducted by the University of Nevada Las Vegas’s Cannabis Policy Institute (CPI) has revealed a significant shift in public opinion: nearly 70% of American adults support the idea of marijuana consumption areas at casinos and resorts.

As cannabis legalization continues to evolve, industries that once felt worlds apart—like gaming and cannabis—are beginning to merge. According to CPI’s survey, not only do most adults favor designated marijuana lounges at casinos, but two in five say they’d be more likely to visit these venues if cannabis use were permitted.

What the Poll Reveals

The survey, which included over 600 adults aged 21 and up, offered several key insights:

• 70% support marijuana lounges or designated smoking areas at casino-resorts.

• A majority also support cannabis-friendly hotel rooms, similar to smoking rooms.

• About 60% of respondents said their gambling behavior wouldn’t change with cannabis use.

• 25% said marijuana would make gambling more enjoyable.

• Fewer than 10% believed it would make the experience worse.

• While only one-quarter said they’d use a cannabis room service option, the interest in lounge access and consumption zones was notably strong.

Gaming & Cannabis: A Budding Partnership

CPI Director Riana Durrett addressed a long-standing perception that marijuana might reduce gambling activity. However, current data shows no evidence that cannabis dampens gaming interest. In fact, many gamblers reported little to no change in their behavior, with some even noting increased enjoyment.

CPI Research Director Marla Royne Stafford echoed this sentiment, noting that the relationship between cannabis use and gambling is not as strong—or as negative—as previously assumed. “Maybe there’s not as strong a relationship as we thought there might be,” she remarked during a presentation of the findings.

Nevada’s Next Move

This data arrives at a pivotal time for Nevada. In 2024, the state opened its first legal marijuana consumption lounge, following years of legislation and policy development. The state’s laws now also allow innovative cannabis pairings—such as THC-infused food, marijuana-enhanced massage therapy, and yoga with cannabis integration.

Former Governor Steve Sisolak championed this approach in a 4/20 op-ed, calling Nevada’s lounge concept the future of cannabis entertainment:

“Nevada’s lounges will be a one-stop entertainment shop to create jobs, grow the industry and boost our economy.”

To further support legalization momentum, Nevada also updated its possession laws in early 2025, doubling the allowable personal cannabis amount to 2.5 ounces.

Meanwhile, the state is exploring even broader reforms—like decriminalizing and researching psychedelics, and allowing individuals with past marijuana convictions to become foster parents if their offenses would now be considered legal.

Looking Ahead

With marijuana sales in Nevada reportedly “dipping,” CPI experts believe collaboration between casinos and cannabis lounges could unlock new economic opportunities. There’s clear public interest, and the infrastructure is beginning to catch up.

As the poll results demonstrate, the future of gaming may very well include cannabis—not just on the casino floor, but as an integral part of the hospitality and entertainment experience.