Gambling in the USA
Detroit Cannabis Company Takes A Gamble

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.
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.
Gambling in the USA
UNLV International Gaming Institute Announces 2025 ESPN Research Fellows

Selected research projects will generate new insights into how responsible gambling messages are delivered and perceived in the rapidly evolving sports media landscape
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas International Gaming Institute (IGI) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 ESPN Research Fellowships. This year’s cohort features a group of scholars whose proposals will advance understanding of responsible gambling messaging in sports media and its implications for consumer well-being.
Fellowships recipients include:
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Dr. Brandon Mastromartino, Director of the Institute on Sports Wagering and Gaming and Assistant Professor of Experiential Marketing at the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, San Diego State University. Dr. Mastromartino’s project will evaluate two of the NFL’s responsible gambling PSAs using a fan-centered marketing framework.
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Dr. Chris R. Noland, Assistant Professor of Advertising at the University of South Florida’s Zimmerman School of Advertising & Mass Communications. Dr. Noland will examine the influence of celebrity endorsements and promotional inducements in Instagram advertisements on online sports betting behavior.
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Dr. Ramon Silva Leite, Professor in the Postgraduate Program in Management at Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Dr. Silva’s project will investigate how responsible gambling messages are constructed and delivered through sports media, and how young sports bettors perceive and respond to them.
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Dr. Sarah Stokowski, Associate Professor of Athletic Leadership at Clemson University’s Department of Educational and Organizational Leadership Development. Dr. Stokowski will investigate how college student-athletes perceive and interact with sports betting content on social media.
These projects will provide important insights into practical strategies that policymakers and the industry can adopt to help safeguard the wellbeing of sports enthusiasts and the public at large.
“IGI is tremendously proud of the work our previous Fellowships produced. A key goal of this initiative is to support innovative and impactful research to better understand the rapidly changing global sports and betting environment,” said Dr. Kasra Ghaharian, Director of Research at IGI. “This research represents critical perspectives on how gambling is represented in sports media and holds important implications for all gambling stakeholders.”
“Responsible gaming continues to be a priority for ESPN, and we are proud to continue our collaboration with IGI to support research that delivers real-world impact,” said Kevin Martinez, Vice President of ESPN Corporate Citizenship. “These new projects will provide valuable insights into how responsible gaming messages can be delivered effectively across sports media and help strengthen standards that protect fans everywhere.”
Each research fellowship lasts six months. Research results will be featured in an IGI webinar in 2026.
Gambling in the USA
Iconic Online Games Set for Land-Based Debut Through Collaboration of Gaming Arts and Evolution

Gaming Arts, LLC and Evolution, through its dedicated land-based slot games partner Bluhare Studios, announced a landmark collaboration to adapt a select group of Evolution’s most celebrated online slot titles for the land-based Class III gaming market. This partnership combines proven game mechanics, strong brand recognition, innovative features, and Gaming Arts’ suite of high-performance MOD EX cabinets to deliver products designed to meet the expectations of today’s land-based casino players.
The first wave of releases is scheduled for Q4 2025 in North America and will be available across Gaming Arts’ latest cabinet line-up: the MOD EX J55, MOD EX 227, and MOD EX 337. Four titles will lead the launch, each carrying a strong legacy in online gaming along with exciting new enhancements for the casino floor.
Divine Fortune has been a global standout since its debut, ranking as the number one title for Evolution in the United States. Performing well in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and in all states it can be found online. It’s no surprise it has inspired successful online sequels such as Divine Fortune Megaways and Divine Fortune Black. Now, this player favorite will make its long-awaited land-based debut. Developed in collaboration with Gaming Arts, Divine Fortune Ascensionbuilds on the success of the original with a fresh twist, introducing an all-new three-pot perceived persistence feature designed to heighten engagement.
Starburst, released in 2012, is one of the most recognizable slot titles in online gaming history and Evolution’s top performer globally. With its simple yet captivating gameplay, it has remained a staple for over a decade, inspiring sequels such as Starburst XXXtreme and Starburst Galaxy. Starburst Supernovareimagines this classic with a multiplayer-enabled format, launching as part of a two-game multi-pack. Both titles will feature a new perceived persistent bonus mechanic that culminates in a hold-and-spin feature, adding a fresh layer of excitement to an already proven brand.
This collaboration also creates new opportunities for integrated marketing campaigns across both online and land-based platforms, reinforcing brand engagement and building stronger connections with players.
“We are thrilled to be working with the Evolution team, which has long been an industry leader in creating compelling content for online gambling markets. This partnership allows us to work with two of Evolution’s most celebrated titles and bring them to a brand new player base”, said Greg Colella, Chief Product Officer, Gaming Arts.
“Bringing these iconic titles to land-based casinos represents a major step forward for Gaming Arts,” said Rob Ziems, CEO of Gaming Arts. “This collaboration goes beyond simply combining Evolution’s exceptional game brands with our latest MOD EX hardware. We are working closely with Evolution to effectively adapt these classics for land-based play while also innovating and modernizing them to create fresh, engaging experiences that will truly resonate with today’s casino players.”
Todd Haushalter, Chief Product Officer at Evolution, said: “Since the beginning of online gaming, content has traditionally flowed in one direction; from land-based casinos to online. That approach made sense, as it brought proven experiences to digital audiences. What excites us now is reversing that trend by taking some of the most successful games in the history of online gaming and bringing them to land-based casinos. Evolution is thrilled to be at the forefront of this shift. This collaboration allows us to bring our world-class IP to the incredibly talented team at Gaming Arts, and watching them work their land-based magic to adapt and reimagine our games has been truly inspiring.”
Gambling in the USA
TCSJOHNHUXLEY to Sponsor Inaugural G2E Dealer Championship

G2E Las Vegas 2025 is set to host the first-ever US Dealer Championship, and TCSJOHNHUXLEY is delighted to announce its sponsorship of this landmark event. The championship, which celebrates the skill and professionalism of casino dealers, will take place at The Venetian Expo from October 7-9, 2025.
The G2E Dealer Championship will bring together the nation’s top casino dealers to compete for the title of “Best Dealer.” Contestants will be judged on their technical precision, game knowledge, and ability to provide a superior player experience.
As a proud sponsor TCSJOHNHUXLEY will be supplying all the Roulette tables for the competition, ensuring the highest standard of equipment for the championship. This not only highlights the company’s commitment to the dealers but also provides the perfect platform to showcase its renowned manufacturing expertise. TCSJOHNHUXLEY’s world-class Roulette tables are testament to the precision engineering and superior craftsmanship that has set the industry standard for decades.
Phil Lee, TCSJOHNHUXLEY Chief Financial Officer & Managing Director Americas comments, “We are delighted to be a part of the first G2E Dealer Championship, an event that truly celebrates the invaluable role of casino dealers. Dealers are the heart of the live gaming experience, and we are committed to supporting their success. Our outstanding Roulette tables will provide the perfect platform for these talented professionals to showcase their artistry and skill.”
The G2E Dealer Championship will take place at Booth #5225, located in The Strip at G2E.
The sponsorship underscores TCSJOHNHUXLEY’s unwavering commitment to the live gaming sector and the professionals who drive its success. The company invites all attendees to witness the championship and visit its stand at Booth #4439 during the expo to see its full range of innovative solutions.
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