LAS VEGAS, Jan. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The D Las Vegas Casino Hotel and Golden Gate Hotel & Casino located in downtown Las Vegas will become the first casino properties to accept Bitcoin. The D and Golden Gate will begin accepting the popular digital currency beginning Wednesday, Jan. 22.

Between the two co-owned properties, Bitcoin will be accepted at five locations, including both hotels' front desks and in the D's Gift Shop. Guests at the D will also be able to purchase Detroit's legendary Coney Dogs at American Coney Island and enjoy fine dining at Joe Vicari's Andiamo Italian Steakhouse.

Bitcoin purchases at the casino hotels will be processed through BitPay, a service that streamlines transactions using tablet and mobile interfaces. Tablets programmed with BitPay will be installed at each cashier, allowing Bitcoin users to easily pay for services using their mobile wallets.

Although plans to process Bitcoin had been discussed, Stevens, who is locally known to socialize with customers at the casino's LONGBAR, says that several patrons approached him asking if his properties accept the virtual currency. The guest demand provided the impetus to quickly move forward with incorporating the option to pay with Bitcoin at the D and Golden Gate.

"I'm proud that the D and Golden Gate will be the first casino properties to accept Bitcoin," said co-owner and CEO of the D and Golden Gate, Derek Stevens. "We're located in the growing high-tech sector of downtown Las Vegas, and like all things downtown, we're quickly adaptive to new technology. The timing is right for us to launch this initiative, and I'm happy to be able to offer this to our customers."

Built in 1906, Golden Gate is Las Vegas' oldest casino. The historic hotel has always been a forerunner in adopting technology – the city's first telephone was installed in 1907 (the phone number was 1!) In a unique juxtaposition of the old and new, Golden Gate's lobby will now house Bitcoin processing technology just steps from an artifact display case containing an authentic model of the 1907 Kellogg telephone.

Stevens opened the D in 2012, introducing a hotel casino to match the trendy, forward-thinking style of the burgeoning downtown Las Vegas neighborhood. To create the modern vibe, the existing property located on the Fremont Street Experience received a complete overhaul, incorporating chic design elements, renovating the guest rooms, adding a collection of high-end suites and emphasizing entertainment, nightlife and restaurants alongside the casino.

About the D Las Vegas

the D Las Vegas delivers the fresh, energetic attitude and fun atmosphere synonymous with downtown Las Vegas. The new casino hotel boasts 629 remodeled rooms and suites and a unique two-level casino feature modern and vintage floors. Cocktails, beer and frozen beverages abound inside the casino at LONGBAR and on the Fremont Street Experience at D Bar. the D offers contemporary American fare at D Grill, Detroit's legendary Coney Dogs at American Coney Island and premium steaks and authentic Italian dishes and Joe Vicari's Andiamo Italian Steakhouse.

About Golden Gate Hotel & Casino

The Golden Gate is Las Vegas' most historic hotel and casino, opening in 1906 at One Fremont Street. Its legacy spans the birth of Las Vegas, the Roaring 20s and the Rat Pack era. The Golden Gate recently completed its first major expansion in 50 years, adding a 35,000-square-foot luxury tower with 16 suites, an expanded gaming floor and a new lobby. The result is an intimate, boutique hotel/casino that is energetic and contemporary, yet preserves its historic character.

SOURCE The D Las Vegas Casino Hotel; Golden Gate Hotel & Casino