Summary
- The Reef offers casino gaming for reward points.
- Blackjack, craps, and roulette are among the available games.
- The new concept is reportedly under investigation.
When opening a business, it’s smart to offer something new to your customers. A cannabis dispensary in Detroit, Michigan, known as The Reef, is definitely offering something new that should entice customers but may also be illegal. The Reef legally sells cannabis and offers its visitors several casino games to play. Those who play can earn reward points for the shop, and no money is involved.
However, this setup may still violate the state’s gaming laws.
A New Concept for Cannabis Sales
The Reef spokesperson Tim Campbell stated that the idea for casino gaming in the shop came from a partnership involving Jason Kouza, an owner of a dispensary in Flint. He developed the games that are offered at The Reef. The men feel their idea is original and a great way to promote their business.
The idea was generated while cannabis licensing for adult use was being created in Detroit. According to Campbell, the concept of the casino games does not require any legal consideration as the players are not wagering with real money.
For playing casino games, customers can win products or store credit. Reward points are generated via purchases, and the points can be used to play games. If players choose, the points can be stored and built up for a longer gaming session.
Despite The Reef’s belief that the operation is compliant with local laws, the Cannabis Regulatory Agency of Michigan says that the concept is being investigated.
Is It Illegal Gaming?
The Reef would have a legal standing in court due to the fact that games are played with reward points. Casinos and gaming officials might feel that the store should not offer games like they do since there is no regulation in place or taxes paid, but the cannabis facility is not earning a kickback from the gameplay.
Campbell stated that the reward points visitors earn are based on the amount of each purchase. For $25, you might get one game, while $50 might allow you to place two bets. The property also offers a monopoly game that is similar to the one offered by McDonalds. Players can win prizes like cannabis for life, trips, and free cash.
We shall see in the coming weeks if the shop will be allowed to continue offering casino games. If I had to guess, I would say that gaming officials and casinos will stop at nothing to try and hinder The Reef from offering table games and slots.
About the Author
