The Sahara resort on the Las Vegas Strip has become the first casino on the Strip to allow players to use cryptocurrency to purchase chips and tickets for gambling. This new payment option, launched last month, follows approval by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) and builds on an earlier rollout at Circa Resort & Casino in downtown Las Vegas.
Through the BurraPay platform, players at Sahara can now deposit cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin in exchange for casino chips or tickets. This alternative payment method offers gamblers a new way to fund wagers, potentially speeding up transactions and providing convenience for those who hold digital assets.
BurraPay’s system integrates directly with casino player account management and sportsbook environments, ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. The platform also includes blockchain monitoring tools designed to detect signs of problem gambling in real time, enhancing player protection efforts.
Craig Pleva, Sahara’s general manager, said, “Expanding out payment options to include cryptocurrency is a natural next step, giving our guests greater flexibility and convenience while embracing innovation shaping the future of Las Vegas.”
BurraPay first launched its crypto payment platform in June at the Circa Resort & Casino, becoming the first compliant crypto payment provider in Nevada’s regulated gaming market. The company processed its first legal cryptocurrency-funded sports bet in the state through this partnership.
Luke Millanta, BurraPay’s co-founder and CTO, noted, “players and operators are ready for a new way to pay.“ The expansion to the Sahara marks the platform’s debut on the Las Vegas Strip, with several other casinos expected to adopt the system in the coming weeks.
BurraPay offers two solutions: a fully embedded platform integrated with casino systems for land-based, iGaming, and online sportsbook environments, and an over-the-counter option designed for rapid deployment in land-based casinos. Both solutions support secure, AML-compliant use of cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.
Lauren Coombs, a company spokeswoman, said BurraPay is working closely with regulators in various jurisdictions to ensure comfort with the platform and address regulatory concerns. The company is currently approved or authorized for use in six states and is in discussions with multiple tribal gaming commissions and commercial casino jurisdictions.
For players, the introduction of cryptocurrency payments means more choices but also requires awareness of the risks associated with digital currencies, such as price volatility and security considerations. The inclusion of blockchain monitoring tools aims to help mitigate risks related to problem gambling.
As more Nevada casinos prepare to adopt crypto payments, players can expect increased access to this payment method. However, those vulnerable to gambling harm should remain cautious, as easier payment options might increase spending temptation.
For further context on cryptocurrency use in gambling and player protections, visit GamblingNews.today Crypto section and Responsible Gambling. To read the full report, see Nevada: Sahara launches crypto payments for casino chips, tickets.
Related developments in the gambling industry include Michigan regulators adding fixed-odds horse racing to online sports betting options, expanding wagering choices for bettors. Details are available at CDC Gaming.
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