UNLV Study: Nevada's Casino Cannabis Ban Costs State Millions

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas Cannabis Policy Institute reported that the separation of Nevada’s legal marijuana industry and casinos has deprived the state of significant revenue from additional sales of cannabis.

Banning weed usage in the gaming sector has cost the state about $540 million in revenue in 2024. The study outlined three main reasons for that:

• Cannabis delivery to casinos is prohibited, so none of Nevada’s 42 million tourists have access to legal marijuana, an impact of $210 million per year.
• About 75% of tourists (38 million) don’t have practical pedestrian access to legal cannabis retail stores or consumption lounges near where they stay, dine, or spend time, a $330 annual impact.
• Investment and shared financial interests between casinos and the cannabis industry is prohibited.