Sahara Las Vegas Launches Crypto Payments for Casino Chips & Tickets

Key Highlights

Crypto has finally hit The Strip. Digital payment solutions are becoming increasingly common at online casinos, and now a popular Las Vegas casino has followed suit.

Sahara Brings Crypto Payments to The Strip

Sahara Las Vegas is the first casino on The Strip to introduce cryptocurrency payments for casino chips and gambling tickets. The resort launched the system on October 14 through BurraPay, a payment provider working with regulated Nevada casinos. Crypto casinos may soon become more common on The Strip as BurraPay expects to bring its payment services to several other Las Vegas casinos.

BurraPay entered the Nevada market earlier this year, partnering with Circa Resort & Casino in June. That rollout included Nevada’s first legal sports wager funded through cryptocurrency, placed by social media personality Bryce Hall. He reportedly deposited $350,000 in Bitcoin and bet on UFC fights.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) approved BurraPay’s system earlier in 2026, allowing it to serve regulated casinos. Customers exchange cryptocurrency for chips or tickets used for wagering, changing how they fund their play. Sahara has a William Hill sportsbook, but for now crypto payments are only available for casino gaming.

“Expanding our 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,” said Sahara general manager Craig Pleva.

How BurraPay’s Casino Payment System Works

BurraPay’s system accepts cryptocurrency deposits that customers can convert into casino chips or tickets at Sahara. Supported digital currencies include Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin, adding Sahara to the ever-growing list of Bitcoin casinos. The arrangement introduces another payment method for crypto holders while keeping wagering connected to casino chips and tickets. 

The provider offers two approaches for casino operators. One connects with player account management systems at physical casinos, online casinos, and sportsbooks, while another supports faster installation at land-based properties. These formats let operators add crypto payments based on existing systems and how they serve customers.

BurraPay says its patented technology includes anti-money-laundering protections and blockchain monitoring tools. According to the company, those tools can identify signs of problem gambling in real time. The monitoring features are part of its offering to regulated operators, where payment systems must address oversight concerns alongside convenience and transaction processing.

Expansion Plans & Regulatory Oversight

BurraPay expects additional Nevada casino launches in the coming weeks and says discussions with other operators are underway. The plans extend beyond its first two Nevada partnerships, although the next properties haven’t been named. A company representative also said the provider has approval or authorization to operate in six states.

Last year, BurraPay signed an agreement with Rush Street Interactive to integrate its cryptocurrency payment technology into the BetRivers platform, allowing customers to fund their accounts with digital currencies. The partnership covers both online casino and sportsbook operations, with the rollout taking place on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis.

Looking toward 2027, BurraPay says it is working with regulators as jurisdictions consider cryptocurrency payments for gambling. The company is also speaking with tribal gaming commissions and commercial casino regulators. Its approach is to address regulatory questions before further launches, making oversight part of its expansion plans as casinos consider digital currency payments.