First Government-Hosted Bitcoin ATM At Airport In The US Is Here

The City of Williston, North Dakota might be smaller than most, but it might soon become a major hub of cryptocurrency in the United States with its exclusive installation of the first-ever “government-hosted” cryptocurrency kiosk (Bitcoin ATM) at a United States airport.

Williston’s government in partnership with Coin Cloud, has now installed a Digital Currency Machine (DCM) at Williston Basin International Airport (XWA). The ticketed passengers and non-travelers can now buy and sell more than 40 cryptos including Dogecoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin, Cardano, and Shiba Inu Coin with cash. Moreover, the DCM will also function as a Crypto ATM to withdraw cash from the digital wallets.

The Finance Director of the City, Hercules Cummings, said:

“This is an ambitious step in introducing and engaging the public towards cryptocurrency while proactively playing a role in building the digital ecosystem…Although we are a smaller rural community, we are making an impact. Taking this small step may pave the way for other government and commercial entities to follow suit.”

Bitcoin ATM Does Not Need Any Intermediaries

The DCM is a quite unique technology as the investors do not need their bank accounts or debit cards, and can directly sell and buy crypto using a digital wallet. This might also mean that the users will not have to pay extra charges. The primary intent behind this installation of a DCM was to eliminate the gap between “public curiosity to acceptance and portfolio adoption of a growing asset class”, as explained by the Finance Director.

Cummings added:

“Traditionally, when you purchase crypto on an exchange, the transaction is directly tied to your bank via a checking account, debit card, or tied to your credit card…Converting cash to crypto through the DCM means there are no recognizable charges, bank account, or credit card. The deposit and withdrawal process happens between the DCM and your digital wallet, simply using cash.”

The DCM installation came in as a follow-up to the City’s earlier pledge towards becoming more cryptocurrency-positive. Earlier in 2021, in May, the City of Williston started to accept crypto for utility payments, marketing a landmark in cryptocurrency adoption in the United States.