Kirk Sanford
Kirk Sanford is an American entrepreneur and business executive known for his work in the financial sector, gaming industry, and healthcare. He is the founder and chief executive officer of the Longevity Medical Institute in San José del Cabo, Mexico, which focuses on regenerative medicine and anti-aging therapies.
Sanford is also a co-founder and former chief executive officer of Sightline Payments, a financial technology company specializing in cashless payment solutions for the gaming and sports betting industries. Earlier in his career, he was president and chief executive officer of Global Cash Access Inc..
Career
Global Cash Access / Everi Holdings (1995–2007)
Sanford co-founded Global Cash Access in 1995 and became president and chief executive officer in 1999. Under his leadership, the company acquired Central Credit in 1999 and Innoventry in 2000, expanding its role in casino financial services. In 2004 he directed a $435 million leveraged buyout, followed by a 2005 initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange valued at $1.2 billion.By 2007, GCA employed over 400 people, generated revenues of $650 million, and had a market capitalization of more than $1.5 billion. Sanford retired in October 2007, and the company later rebranded as Everi Holdings.
Sightline Payments (2010–2020)
Sanford co-founded Sightline Payments in 2010 and served as chief executive officer. He oversaw the launch of the Play+ platform for cashless gaming and guided the company’s growth during the expansion of legalized sports betting. In 2020, Sightline was valued at about $525 million, and by 2021 its valuation exceeded $1 billion, becoming Nevada’s first fintech unicorn. Sanford stepped down as CEO in 2021.Longevity Medical Institute (2024–present)
In 2024, Sanford founded the Longevity Medical Institute in San José del Cabo, Mexico. The institute introduced Mexico’s first AI-powered MRI and conducts research in stem cells and exosomes.Legal matters
In 2007, Sanford announced his retirement from Global Cash Access. Shortly afterward, successor management raised allegations of misconduct, which prompted an internal review. Following an independent investigation by the company’s board, GCA reported that no fraud or intentional wrongdoing had been found.In March 2010, Sightline Payments, co-founded by Sanford and other former GCA executives, filed a $300 million antitrust lawsuit against GCA, alleging monopolization of cash-access products and efforts to damage Sanford’s professional reputation. GCA denied the allegations.