We reported just a couple of days ago that Robocoin would be launching America’s first Bitcoin ATMs in Seattle and Austin, but Bitcoin machine maker has apparently beaten Robocoin to the punch.
While not an ATM per se, the Lamassu machine will give users Bitcoin in exchange for their fiat cash, and the first Lamassu machine in the US was just installed in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
If you are anywhere near the hometown of Walter White, you can find the Lamassu machine at the Imbibe Nob Ill cigar bar, near the University of New Mexico campus.
Operating the machine is Enchanted Bitcoins, a registered money transmitter in the US per the Treasury’s FinCEN definition.
“This is very special for us,” Lamassu CEO Zach Harvey said. “Enchanted Bitcoins are paving the way for mainstream Bitcoin accessibility in the Unites States.”
Lamassu’s machines will allow users to buy Bitcoin in fiat cash (dollars, in this case) in less than a minute. Just before New Year’s Day, Lamassu announced it had sold its 100th machine, and 20 more were expected to ship by the spring of 2014. According to Lamassu’s website, lead times on orders are 10-14 weeks.