Bitcoin vending machine manufacturer Lamassu has hit another milestone with the launch of what is believed to be the first bitcoin vending machine in the United States of America (not to be confused with ATM).
Located at the Imbibe cigar bar in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the machine sits right by the University of New Mexico — giving students and others who are curious easy access to purchasing the emerging digital currency. The kiosk is operated by a company by the name of Enchanted Bitcoins.
“This is very special for us. Enchanted Bitcoins are paving the way for mainstream Bitcoin accessibility in the Unites States,” said Lamassu CEO Zach Harvey. “[Enchanted Bitcoins has] put in a lot of time and effort on the compliance side, and we’re very excited to see them open for business.”
Enchanted Bitcoins has registered as a money transmitter with the Department of the Treasury’s FinCEN division, which will allow them to operate these devices legally in the U.S.
“We are thrilled to be a part of the launch of America’s first Bitcoin sales kiosk. This is a significant step in the forward march of progress for digital currencies in the United States,” said Marco Santori, attorney with Nesenoff & Miltenberg LLP.
A launch party is slated to take place at the Imbibe cigar bar on the evening of Friday, February 21st.
“Imbibe is excited to participate in this new innovative technology. We look forward as a business to being able to accept Bitcoin, the world’s newest currency,” said the bar’s co-founder, Wesley Golden. “We invite you to come in and take a look.”
Just this morning, Lamassu competitor Robocoin announced they would be bringing their bitcoin ATMs to Austin, Texas and Seattle, Washington.
Unlike traditional bitcoin ATMs, Lamassu machines only convert fiat to bitcoin, and not the other way around. They are, by far, the best-selling bitcoin-dispensing machines available on the market. The company recently announced the sale of their 100th unit.