Sahara adds cryptocurrency funding at casino cage
Sahara Las Vegas is offering cryptocurrency-funded casino deposits through its cashier cage, allowing guests to convert Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Litecoin into U.S. dollar-denominated chips or gaming tickets. The property describes itself as the first casino on the Las Vegas Strip to provide the service. Customers continue to gamble and receive winnings in dollars.
The system uses BurraPay to process deposits, with exchange services provided by Byte Federal. Guests must be at least 21, hold an Infinity Rewards account, and present valid photo identification. Before their first deposit, customers complete an identity check through a secure link sent by text message and email, including a selfie verification step.
Customers select a dollar amount and one of the supported cryptocurrencies, then transfer the specified amount from their wallet or exchange app using a QR code. The exchange rate is held for 15 minutes. Chips or a gaming ticket become available after the cryptocurrency network confirms the transaction, so processing time depends on the network rather than a guaranteed instant conversion.
Dollar-based play remains unchanged
A 5% BurraPay service fee is added to each deposit. The service operates at the casino cage, which is open around the clock, and is limited to funding casino play. It does not currently cover room charges, dining, or other resort purchases. Sahara’s customer guidance also states: “No. All winnings are paid in U.S. dollars.”
The Strip rollout follows BurraPay’s earlier introduction at Circa Resort & Casino in downtown Las Vegas. The provider said its June launch brought its cryptocurrency payment system into Nevada’s regulated gaming market. Sahara General Manager Craig Pleva described the additional payment option as part of the property’s efforts to give guests more flexibility in funding their visits.
BurraPay says its technology incorporates anti-money-laundering controls and blockchain monitoring. Its claims about detecting potential problem-gambling behavior remain vendor statements rather than independently established findings. The provider has also said it is discussing further installations with Nevada casino operators, although the Sahara announcement did not identify additional properties or provide confirmed launch dates.
