Seth Schorr, CEO of Fifth Street Gaming, is advocating for the establishment of cannabis lounges within Las Vegas casinos. Speaking at a recent gaming conference at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Schorr argued that allowing marijuana consumption on casino properties could help revitalize the city’s declining tourism rates.
Since Nevada legalized recreational cannabis in 2017, it has remained illegal for gamblers to use marijuana at traditional casinos. Schorr believes this restriction limits the experience for visitors who want to enjoy both gambling and cannabis during their stay. He stated, “I think there is a market, but you don’t know until you try it.”
Schorr pointed out that many vacationers seek to indulge in various vices while visiting Las Vegas, where drinking and gambling are already permitted. He emphasized the need for casinos to diversify their offerings to cater to evolving consumer preferences. “People go on vacation and want to do the vices,” he noted. “Las Vegas is about creating an experience that’s better than the one you can have at home.”
Fifth Street Gaming operates several properties in Las Vegas, including the Downtown Grand and Gold Spike. However, implementing cannabis lounges would require changes to existing laws. Current regulations mandate a distance of 1,500 feet between cannabis dispensaries and casinos, and Clark County prohibits cannabis deliveries to casino locations.
Schorr’s proposal aligns with trends in other states, where casinos have begun to integrate cannabis into their offerings. As he explained, “We can’t afford to miss any opportunity. We can’t rest on our laurels.”
David Goldwater, a cannabis operator, echoed Schorr’s sentiments, arguing that adding cannabis lounges would provide visitors with more choices. He remarked, “Nevada is one of the few states where you can have a drink, visit a prostitute, and gamble 24 hours a day. Yet we have this western independent conservative bent to the population where we need to separate these vices.”
As the conversation around cannabis lounges continues, the potential impact on tourism and casino revenue remains a pressing issue for Las Vegas. With competition from other jurisdictions that have embraced cannabis within their entertainment offerings, the city’s ability to adapt could prove crucial for its economic future.
In related news, federal prosecutors recently filed charges against a cannabis company associated with poker player Dan Bilzerian, highlighting ongoing tensions between cannabis businesses and regulatory frameworks. This situation underscores the complex landscape that casino operators like Schorr must navigate as they seek to innovate in a rapidly changing industry.
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