SAHARA Las Vegas Becomes First Strip Casino to Accept Cryptocurrency
United States.- 20 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com SAHARA Las Vegas has become the first casino on the iconic Las Vegas Strip to announce the introduction of cryptocurrency payments for funding gaming activities.
The initiative was developed in partnership with BurraPay, a specialist provider of digital asset payment solutions for the regulated gaming industry.
The technology enables customers to use cryptocurrencies to obtain casino chips, tickets and other gaming instruments through transactions conducted at the property’s casino cage.
A New Payment Alternative
Owned and operated by the Meruelo Group, SAHARA Las Vegas is introducing the service as part of its strategy to modernise payment technology and improve the guest experience.
Through BurraPay’s platform, customers can deposit cryptocurrencies and convert them into funds for casino gaming.
The system supports several digital assets, including:
- Bitcoin (BTC).
- Ethereum (ETH).
- Litecoin (LTC).
The solution aims to provide greater payment flexibility while maintaining the regulatory standards required of licensed Nevada casinos.
Technology and Regulatory Compliance
BurraPay has developed a patented platform specifically designed to meet US gaming regulatory requirements.
Its technology incorporates anti-money laundering (AML) safeguards, secure transaction processing and blockchain monitoring capabilities.
The company offers two implementation models:
- Fully embedded platform: integrated directly with casino player account management systems.
- Casino cage solution: designed for rapid deployment within land-based gambling establishments.
BurraPay also provides blockchain-based monitoring tools capable of identifying potentially problematic gambling behaviour in real time.
Executive Comments
Craig Pleva, General Manager of SAHARA Las Vegas, explained that expanding payment options represents a natural next step in the property’s evolution.
He emphasised that introducing cryptocurrency payments provides greater convenience and flexibility while maintaining a responsible approach to regulatory compliance.
Meanwhile, Luke Millanta, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of BurraPay, highlighted the company’s initial launch within Nevada’s regulated gaming market in June 2026.
That deployment took place in downtown Las Vegas and marked the beginning of BurraPay’s operations within the state’s licensed casino industry.
Next Steps and Impact
The implementation at SAHARA Las Vegas represents another milestone in the integration of cryptocurrencies into traditional casino operations.
The initiative demonstrates how digital assets can be introduced into land-based gaming through compliant payment conversion and regulatory safeguards.
For the gaming industry, the development highlights opportunities for innovation in payment methods, blockchain technology and customer experience, while maintaining a focus on financial security and responsible gambling.
Editó: @fonta
