Bitcoin ATMs landing in the US
Seattle and Austin are the first US cities to get Robocoin's digital currency machines.
Robocoin's bitcoin ATMs are hitting the United States later this month, Reuters reported Tuesday.
Robocoin is installing these automated teller machines in Seattle, Wash., and Austin, Texas. The kiosks will enable a person to buy and sell the digital currency after scanning the user's government-issued identification, like a driver's license or a passport. People will be able to sell bitcoins for cash, buy more bitcoins, or transfer funds through a digital wallet.
Bitcoin is a type of currency introduced in 2009, but it's only recently gained mainstream attention. As its use grows, more companies have found ways to build on the popularity of the digital system, but it's also drawn the scrutiny of regulators.
The new ATMs are not Robocoin's only machines. The Las Vegas, Nev., company installed its first bitcoin ATM in Vancouver last fall. The company has plans to roll out bitcoin ATMs in other US cities, and in Asia and Europe.
According to competitor Lamassu, Robocoin's machines will not be not the first bitcoin ATMs in the US. Lamassu announced Tuesday that its Lamassu Bitcoin Machine is in operation in Albuquerque, N.M.
Update at 9:02 a.m. PT February 19: Added Lamassu's update.