Gambling in the USA

Detroit Cannabis Company Takes A Gamble

Published

2 years ago

April 24, 2023

Gambling is not new to those in Michigan. The state has passed laws that now allow for the operation of online casinos as well as sportsbooks. With the growing number of people placing bets, a cannabis company in Detroit has taken advantage of the popular pastime. Online casinos launched in Michigan at the beginning of 2021 and since then, many brands have entered the industry, generating millions in revenue. Today, residents enjoy having safe and secure access to trusted casino sites that host a plethora of exciting games.

Aside from new laws for online gambling, Michigan also provides access to recreational marijuana by visiting local dispensaries. There is one company that has taken things to a new level and has started to offer a casino concept for customers that make dispensary purchases. Ready to combine the excitement of playing casino games with high-quality products from The Reef? Read on to learn more!

Welcome to Reef

The Reef Dispensary has launched a unique concept that is one of the first in the country. A new cannabis casino is an opportunity for customers to play games by earning rewards points for making purchases. This is a type of loyalty program that combines the love of gambling with recreational cannabis use.

The Reef was one of the initial dispensaries to operate in Detroit and is now using this new concept to attract customers. By spending a certain amount of money, customers can receive reward points that can then be used to play a variety of casino games. Points can be accrued and used at a later date. This exciting casino concept is one way for The Reef to stand out in Michigan. There are many dispensaries that have started operating and with the chance to play some exciting games, including blackjack!

In addition to the casino promo, The Reef also has a Monopoly-like game promotion where customers stand the chance to win free pot for life, a $100,000 cash prize, and even Caribbean vacations. There are other promos that are always running, such as scratch cards and pull tabs. The Reef has decided to combine a bit of gambling with marijuana sales to attract younger users and those that have a love for placing bets on casino games.

The Dope and Dopamine Connection

The casino games featured at The Reef are not a form of real gambling. Customers will not be able to win cash on slot games or walk away with jackpots. However, the games all provide a chance to win discounts on purchases, gifts, and more. The dispensary currently hosts various slot machines, a 10-foot Craps table decorated with store logos, and other games that provide a Vegas feel.

The idea comes from the feeling people get when they smoke weed and engage in gambling activities at the same time. The combination has been very successful in generating business and this is one of the only places in Detroit that is offering such a unique experience.

The great success at the Detroit location has paved the road for similar casino concepts at other retail locations. The dispensary located in Muskegon Heights will soon offer the same casino concept and the company plans to expand the same thing to other locations.

Michigan’s Gambling Industry is Booming

The online industry in Michigan is one that cannot be compared to many other states. There was a revenue increase of 33.5% and online casino operators continue to take in massive amounts of revenue, making up for a decline in sports betting. In March 2023, igaming in the state recorded a massive sum of $171.8 million, which beat the previous record that had been set just in January. The adjusted revenue for online casino operators was $154.6 million, showing that many operators in the state have been spending a lot of money on promotions to attract new gamblers.

Stake - Best Online Casino & Sports Betting Platform

The first quarter of 2023 has been a successful one for online casinos, which is another reason The Reef has found their promo concept to be a huge hit. More people are gambling and younger players are becoming interested in a variety of casino games. Combine this with the group of people who also smoke weed regularly, and there is a powerful combination of loyal customers.

With nearly $2b in revenue generated in 2022, online gambling continues to be an appealing pastime for residents. Major brands have entered the market all offering access to top-rated games, exceptional promotions, and some of the best possible payouts.

Not looking to risk any money but still want the thrills of casino games? This is where The Reef comes into play. Just by making a purchase, customers will be able to play a variety of casino games for a chance to win store discounts, vacations, TVs, and even a lifetime supply of bud! The company has found a great concept that focuses on the popularity of gambling while providing a calm environment to play some games and win some swag.

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Gambling in the USA

Aristocrat Interactive™ to Showcase Innovative iLottery Solutions at NASPL 2025 Annual Conference & Trade Show

Published

1 day ago

September 4, 2025

Peter Tolan

Aristocrat Interactive Secures Landmark iLottery Contract with the Michigan Lottery

Aristocrat Interactive™, the Real Money Gaming (RMG) division of Aristocrat, today announced its participation as a Level II Sponsor at the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL) 2025 Annual Conference & Trade Show.

NASPL, the leading trade association representing 53 lottery organizations across North America, serves as a platform for collaboration, research, standards, and best practices that drive the future of the industry. Taking place September 8–11, 2025 at the Niagara Falls Convention Center in Ontario, Canada, the event, themed “Here to Play”, will gather lottery leaders from across North America to explore the evolving future of the industry.

Aristocrat Interactive will be showcasing its latest innovations for the iLottery sector through an interactive booth setup, one-on-one director’s dialogue sessions, a product and services showcase, and more. Attendees will get a first look at new eInstant titles, featuring fresh game mechanics and the business’s first cross-over game with its iGaming & Sports division. Aristocrat Interactive will also highlight its successful omnichannel solutions, which connect retail and online play to enhance player engagement and experience.

Building on this momentum, Aristocrat Interactive recently launched the New Hampshire Lottery’s new digital platform, signed long-term contracts with the Michigan Lottery and the Massachusetts Lottery, and secured a two-year extension with its NeoPollard Joint Venture in North Carolina—where Aristocrat Interactive provides the iLottery platform. These partnerships underscore Aristocrat Interactive’s commitment to helping lotteries deliver engaging digital experiences and sustainable growth.

“NASPL always sets the table for engaging discussions that can advance our customer-driven strategies to drive real digital growth for lotteries,” said Chris Shaban, Managing Director, iLottery at Aristocrat Interactive. “We’re looking forward to another opportunity to showcase Aristocrat Interactive as a solidified, future-ready unit with global gaming expertise.”

Attendees can connect with Aristocrat Interactive at Booth #209 and meet the team for one-on-one discussions in Room #205. Aristocrat Interactive will also hold a showcase on Wednesday, September 10 at 1:30 p.m. at its booth.

For more information about Aristocrat Interactive and its iLottery solutions, please visit aristocratinteractive.com.

Gambling in the USA

Scientific Games Introduces Obsidian, All-Black Holographic Lottery Scratch Games

Published

1 day ago

September 4, 2025

Peter Tolan

Premium Instant Scratch Game Innovation Adds Luxury and Uniqueness at Retail with Exclusive Play Experience

Scientific Games announces Obsidian, its latest breakthrough in instant scratch game innovation. A revolutionary addition to the global lottery company’s holographic product offerings, Obsidian will debut at the North American Association of State & Provincial Lotteries 2025 Conference taking place September 8 to September 11 in Ontario, Canada.

With 18 unique design concepts, Obsidian games feature a dramatic combination of all-black tones and holographics to create a sleek, glasslike appearance. Named after naturally occurring volcanic rock, the Obsidian line offers a bold, ultra-premium look and scratch experience.

Obsidian is one of a number of new product designs from Scientific Games to be unveiled at NASPL 2025. The new products were developed by Scientific Games’ Innovation and Discovery teams at its metro Atlanta global headquarters, the largest lottery instant game production facility in the world. Obsidian games will also be produced at the company’s Canadian and UK facilities.

“Our game innovators have followed holographic trends on high-end luxury items and were inspired to create fresh, new games centered on value proposition design for our lottery partners,” said Danielle Hodges, Senior Director, Global Product Innovation & Development for Scientific Games. “At a time when the market basket average is increasing, holographic games allow lotteries to differentiate their games by adding a touch of luxury and uniqueness. In sneak previews of Obsidian with several lotteries, the response we’ve received is pure excitement.”

The company continues to lead the industry in scratch game innovation, using holographics to heighten retail appeal and create immersive player experiences.

Scientific Games, the world’s largest creator, producer and manager of lottery instant games, offers more than 100 strategic enhancements for its world-leading scratch products. The company’s products represent 70% of global instant game retail sales.

Innovating products and solutions that move the global lottery industry forward since 1973, Scientific Games provides retail and digital games, technology, analytics and services to 150 lotteries in 50 countries around the globe, including nearly every North American lottery.

Gambling in the USA

ETPL APPOINTS LONDON-BASED OAKVALE CAPITAL AS EXCLUSIVE INVESTMENT BANKER TO LEAD CAPITAL RAISE AND GROWTH STRATEGY

Published

2 days ago

September 3, 2025

Peter Tolan

The European T20 Premier League (ETPL), an ICC-approved T20 league co-owned by Abhishek Bachchan and backed by Cricket Ireland, Cricket Scotland, and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association, has appointed Oakvale Capital as its exclusive investment banker.

“Oakvale’s deep expertise in sports finance will be a game-changer for ETPL’s long-term vision. We look forward to working closely with their expert team to help bring our event to fruition,” said Warren Deutrom, CEO, Cricket Ireland.

“Oakvale is one of the leading London-based investment banks in the sports and gaming ecosystem. Their sector depth, global network, and track record advising rights-holders, clubs, and technology platforms make them the right partner for ETPL as we scale,” said Saurav Banerjee, Co-owner and Director, ETPL.

“We’re excited to support ETPL’s bold and innovative approach to cricket. The vision to elevate the sport in Europe with a premium, differentiated offering aligns well with Oakvale’s strategic focus in global sports properties,” said Sandford Loudon, Partner, Oakvale Capital.

Blending world-class cricket with a distinctively European experience, ETPL aims to redefine the sport through elite talent, immersive fan experiences, and data-driven innovation. In addition, KPMG in India has been appointed as ETPL’s strategic advisor.