The United States of America is the country with over 65 % of the machines installed in the entire world.
The number of Bitcoin (BTC) ATMs installed around the world broke a record again, surpassing six thousand and achieving a new milestone. The number continues to grow and the installation of ATMs does not show signs of stopping.
CoinATMRadar recently reported that over 65% of the 6,004 ATMs installed are located in the United States, where there are 3,924 ATMs. Last month, 108 machines were installed and the average daily number of Bitcoin ATMs installed is 11, according to the data offered by the online resource. This is the fastest pace.
Europe has almost 20% of the total amount of these machines to use and exchange cryptocurrencies, and Asia has only 2%. Over three-quarters of the devices are in North America so Canada has 653 machines to complement the number that the United States has.
To complete the top four of the regions with more ATMs, the United Kingdom has 272 machines and Austria has 189. Spain (86), and Switzerland and the Czech Republic are the countries that follow in the list.
One Thousand Machines in Five Months
Since last June, the total number of ATMs worldwide increased by 1,000. This is proof that the industry is growing.
These machines are also known as Bitcoin ATMs or simply as BTMs, which allow users to buy BTC. Additionally, over 35% of these machines also have two-way capabilities enabling sell crypto for cash.
The Miami International Airport also has a BTM. It was installed, last October, by BTM firm Bitstop. The company’s co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Doug Carillo claimed that Bitcoin is useful for travelers and, for that reason, they decide to install a BTM there.
“More and more people prefer to travel with Bitcoin instead of cash for convenience and security. Miami International Airport is a perfect place for our customers to conveniently exchange their dollars for Bitcoin and vice versa when traveling domestically or abroad”, he said.
A Complicated Scenario
But not everyone is happy with the growth in the installation of Bitcoin ATMs, especially in the United States, where, interestingly, is the highest amount of Bitcoin ATMs.
Early November, the US Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Chief, John Fort, said that the regulator of that country is “wary” with the potential “tax issues” generated by Bitcoin ATMs. It is investigating, with different agencies, cases of the possible use of these machines for tax evasion.
“They are required to abide by the same Know-Your-Customer, Anti-Money Laundering regulations, and we believe some have varying levels of adherence to those regulations”, Fort said.
Besides, the mayor of Vancouver, Kennedy Stewart, proposed to ban the installation of cryptocurrencies in that city of Canada because he considers them “the perfect tool for money laundering”.
Due to the lack of regulation that currently exists, Asian investors call for regulatory “clarity” in the United States to trade and prevent future problems. Establishing some rules, they think, would make it possible to operate without uncertainty. Something positive for companies and users.
By María Rodríguez
