Regulated, mainstream casino brands are still conservative on crypto. A few Las Vegas properties accept bitcoin for non-gaming purchases, and one operator says it will relaunch bitcoin payments property-wide in 2025. But on the actual casino floor, Nevada regulators have not approved cryptocurrency for wagering. Most big operators are prioritizing cashless wallets and compliance tooling over crypto payments. In online markets, jurisdictions like Ontario and Australia explicitly prohibit crypto deposits at licensed operators; Wyoming is the notable outlier that allows crypto as a “cash equivalent” for online sports betting.
What’s live today in brick-and-mortar casinos
Bitcoin for non-gaming purchases at select Vegas resorts
Downtown Las Vegas properties the D and Golden Gate have long accepted bitcoin for rooms, dining and retail, and their sister resort Circa says it will relaunch bitcoin payment acceptance beginning summer 2025. These are payments for hospitality and on-site spend—not gaming chips.
High-profile “crypto-friendly” announcements with limits
Resorts World Las Vegas announced a 2021 partnership with Gemini to explore crypto-friendly services across the resort experience. However, reporting and trade coverage clarified that Nevada does not allow crypto on the casino floor; any crypto acceptance is for non-gaming areas.
Why there’s no bitcoin slot machine in Nevada
Nevada gaming officials have said there are no regulations authorizing cryptocurrency on casino floors; the practical workaround is converting crypto to dollars via kiosks or third-party services before loading cashless accounts. In other words, wagering remains dollar-denominated.
What mainstream operators are actually rolling out: “cashless,” not crypto
Large U.S. operators are moving fast on digital, but mainly on cashless wallets and omnichannel account systems—not on accepting crypto. BetMGM launched a single account/single wallet for Nevada tied to its national markets in 2024, while Caesars followed with a universal digital wallet in July 2025. These systems are regulated, KYC’d, and use traditional rails.
Industry analysis summarizes the stance succinctly: U.S. operators are cautious on crypto but embracing cashless payments, awaiting clearer regulatory guardrails.
Online markets: where crypto is explicitly restricted
Ontario (Canada)
Ontario’s regulator states plainly: “Cryptocurrency is not legal tender and shall not be accepted” for iGaming deposits. Licensed casinos and sportsbooks must use approved fiat methods only.
Australia
From 11 June 2024, licensed online wagering providers in Australia are banned from accepting digital currencies for deposits. This national rule aligns online betting with land-based restrictions.
Brazil
Brazil’s Ministry of Finance set payment rules that exclude crypto; only transfers via institutions authorized by the Central Bank (e.g., Pix, TED, certain cards) are allowed for betting deposits and payouts.
The U.S. outlier: Wyoming sports betting
Wyoming law defines “cash equivalents” to include digital, crypto and virtual currencies. Licensed sportsbooks may accept crypto so long as it is convertible to cash—making Wyoming the first U.S. state to explicitly allow crypto funding of online sports wagering accounts. Note that some major brands still choose not to enable direct crypto deposits, even where permitted.
Why mainstream brands hesitate on crypto
AML/KYC expectations are high
UK guidance warns that operators must satisfy stringent AML and source-of-funds expectations around crypto, and UK regulators have been among the strictest supervisors globally. Similar expectations exist in mature North American markets.
State-by-state rules limit experimentation
In Nevada, there is still no authorization for crypto on gaming floors; most innovation has focused on compliant cashless wallets integrated with casino management systems.
Cyber and operational risk trade-offs
High-profile cyber incidents have pushed major brands to tighten payments and wallet security. While not about crypto acceptance per se, they reinforce a cautious approach to new funding methods.
Emerging adjacent trend: CBDCs and digital fiat, not crypto
Discussion around Macau has focused on the potential use of China’s digital yuan (e-CNY) to curb illicit flows and reshape chip purchases. That is a central-bank digital currency—not decentralized crypto—but it illustrates the direction regulators favor for traceable, accountable payments in high-risk sectors like gaming.
What this means for players and industry teams
- If a resort advertises itself as “crypto-friendly,” check whether that applies to hotel, dining and retail only, not wagering. In Nevada, crypto is not approved for table games or slots.
- Expect more cashless wallet rollouts that link loyalty programs, mobile apps and on-property play—without adding crypto rails.
- For online gambling, local rules control everything. Ontario and Australia disallow crypto at licensed sites; Wyoming allows it for online sports betting as a cash equivalent.
FAQs
Do any big Las Vegas casinos let you gamble directly with bitcoin?
No. Nevada has not authorized cryptocurrency for casino-floor wagering. Some properties accept bitcoin for non-gaming purchases, and Circa/D Golden Gate are relaunching bitcoin payments in 2025 for hospitality.
Are mainstream online sportsbooks taking crypto?
Generally not in regulated markets. Ontario and Australia explicitly prohibit crypto deposits at licensed operators; U.S. operators emphasize cashless wallets. Wyoming is the exception for online sports betting.
Why don’t brands just add stablecoins?
Even with lower volatility, operators must meet AML, source-of-funds and licensing requirements. UK guidance signals rigorous expectations when crypto is involved. Most brands prefer regulated, bank-linked wallets they can audit end-to-end.
Editor’s snapshot: who’s doing what in 2025
- Non-gaming bitcoin acceptance: the D, Golden Gate, and Circa (relaunching 2025).
- “Crypto-friendly” partnership: Resorts World Las Vegas × Gemini (services outside the casino floor).
- Cashless first: BetMGM launches a Nevada-ready single wallet; Caesars debuts a universal digital wallet in Nevada.
- Clear red lines: Ontario and Australia prohibit crypto deposits at licensed operators.
- One permissive state: Wyoming allows crypto as a cash equivalent for online sports betting.
Conclusion
Mainstream, regulated casino brands are not “going crypto” for wagering. In 2025, the real adoption curve favors cashless wallets and tighter compliance—while crypto, where it appears at all, is largely confined to non-gaming purchases or specific online exceptions like Wyoming’s sports-betting rules. If you see a headline about a traditional casino embracing crypto, read the fine print: in most cases, the chips are still dollars.
