Strip clubs in Las Vegas now accept Lightning

Crazy Horse 3 Gentlemen’s Club has announced that it will be the first major entertainment venue in Las Vegas to accept Bitcoin over the Lightning Network.

Nightspot will implement a second-tier bitcoin scaling solution that will allow customers to make payments on the fly. It has integrated the BTC payment processor OpenNode, which will initially allow guests to securely purchase packages of VIP bottles with BTC through the venue’s website.

According to the announcement, the implementation of Bitcoin payments includes plans to accept digital assets for entry, a selection of food, craft cocktails and the club-used “dance dollar” used to introduce entertainers. In other words, Lightning is for ring dancing.

Crazy Horse 3 editor Lindsay Feldman says the club is taking the opportunity to accept Bitcoin to provide convenience and an extra level of anonymity to its customers, adding:

“The club’s partnership with OpenNode enables us to meet the needs of our tech-savvy customers by offering an innovative payment method that is both seamless and secure.”

OpenNode is a Lightning Network powered BTC payment platform that operates in 126 countries and has over 8,000 users. The platform enables the venue to receive BTC payments directly without the need for an external payment processor or associated fees.

Over the years, the adult entertainment industry has embraced crypto as much as necessary, with payment processors banning such deals or charging exorbitant “high risk” fees.

Connected: Las Vegas Club accepts Bitcoin, records membership on blockchain

Bitcoin’s leading Layer 2 scaling solution has grown steadily over the past year. Since the beginning of 2021, the LN nodes have risen by 56% to a record high of 12,844 at the time of going to press, according to BitcoinVisuals.

The number of unique channels connecting nodes for the first time also saw impressive growth this year, up 54% since January 1st.

Bitcoin and crypto adoption in Sin City is also showing growth. In May, Resorts World Las Vegas Resort casino announced a partnership with crypto exchange Gemini to allow customers to make BTC and crypto payments using their exchange wallets.