BurraPay rolls out crypto payments at Sahara, expanding Nevada casino footprint
Platform now live on the Las Vegas Strip after June downtown debut; more casinos expected to follow.
Key Takeaways
- BurraPay deployed its cryptocurrency payment platform at the Sahara resort in October 2026, the first on the Las Vegas Strip.
- The Nevada Gaming Control Board approved BurraPay’s system earlier in 2026 to operate within Nevada’s regulated gaming industry.
- BurraPay first launched in Nevada in June 2026 with Circa Resort & Casino, processing the state's first legal crypto-funded sports bet.
- The platform supports Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin and offers embedded and over-the-counter deployment options.
- BurraPay is approved or authorised in six states and is in talks with other Nevada casinos and tribal gaming commissions for further rollouts.
BurraPay deployed its cryptocurrency payment platform at the Sahara resort last month, making the property the first on the Las Vegas Strip to let customers exchange cryptocurrency for chips or tickets to gamble on the casino floor. The Nevada Gaming Control Board approved the system earlier in 2026, and BurraPay said several other casinos are expected to go live in the next few weeks.
Deployment timeline and earlier launch
BurraPay first began offering payments at a downtown Las Vegas casino in June 2026 through a partnership with Circa Resort & Casino, processing its first legal cryptocurrency-funded sports bet in Nevada that month. The company then expanded onto the Strip with the Sahara deployment in October 2026, the firm told CDC Gaming.
"Players and operators are ready for a new way to pay," said Luke Millanta, co-founder and CTO of BurraPay.
BurraPay said the downtown launch made it the first compliant crypto payment provider to operate within Nevada's regulated gaming market.
How the product works and regulatory status
The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) approved BurraPay’s system earlier in 2026, authorising the company to operate within the state’s regulated gaming industry. Using the BurraPay platform, gamblers can deposit cryptocurrency in exchange for casino chips or tickets and then fund wagers across the Sahara. The platform supports Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin.
BurraPay offers two deployment options: a fully embedded platform that integrates directly with casino player account management systems in land-based, iGaming, and online sportsbook environments; and an over-the-counter solution for rapid deployment in land-based casino environments. Both solutions use BurraPay’s portfolio of patented technologies for secure, AML-compliant cryptocurrency use and include blockchain monitoring tools capable of detecting problem gambling behaviours in real time, the company explained.
"Expanding out payment options to include cryptocurrency is a natural next step," said Craig Pleva, Sahara general manager. "Giving our guests greater flexibility and convenience while embracing innovation shaping the future of Las Vegas."
Commercial rollout and regulatory engagement
A BurraPay spokeswoman said the company is in talks with other Nevada casinos and plans to go live with several properties in the next few weeks. Lauren Coombs, a company spokeswoman, said the firm is working deliberately with each jurisdiction and gaming commission as they address crypto, and that BurraPay is ensuring regulators' concerns are addressed for its 2027 rollout. BurraPay is currently approved or authorised for use in six states and said it is in discussions with a number of tribal gaming commissions in addition to commercial casino jurisdictions.
For payments coverage and industry context see payments and for casino operations see casino.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did BurraPay go live at the Sahara resort?
BurraPay deployed its cryptocurrency payment platform at the Sahara resort in October 2026, after an earlier downtown launch in June 2026.
Which regulator approved BurraPay to operate in Nevada?
The Nevada Gaming Control Board approved BurraPay’s system earlier in 2026, authorising the company to operate within the state’s regulated gaming industry.
Which cryptocurrencies does BurraPay support at casino properties?
BurraPay supports Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin for customers exchanging cryptocurrency for chips or tickets on casino floors.
What deployment options does BurraPay offer to casinos?
BurraPay offers a fully embedded platform that integrates with player account management systems and an over-the-counter solution developed for rapid deployment in land-based casino environments.
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About the author
Priya Nair
Payments Correspondent
Priya Nair covers payments and fintech in the gambling industry — processor and PSP deals, payment-method launches, crypto rails, and the compliance shifts that decide what players can actually use at the cashier. The stories lead with the deal or launch, name the companies and methods precisely, and translate the jargon into what operators and players gain or lose. From open-banking pilots to stablecoin settlement and chargeback rules, Priya Nair follows the money the industry runs on.
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