The crypto kiosk installation in the North Dakota city of Williston is the first government-backed Bitcoin ATM in a US airport. Passengers and other users can access the machine to sell or buy over 40 cryptocurrencies.
Williston, a small city in North Dakota, has claimed a spot in the $2.5 trillion digital currency market by installing a cryptocurrency automated teller machine (ATM) in its international airport. People using or working at the Williston Basin International Airport will access Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, or 37 other digital currencies. City officials said theirs was the first “government-hosted” crypto kiosk at a US airport.
Old school Bitcoin ATMs can’t do all that
According to the official announcement, the City of Williston partnered with crypto service provider Coin Cloud to install the Digital Currency Machine (DCM) at the airport. The firm stated the DCM was “more than just a Bitcoin ATM” since it allowed users to buy and sell Bitcoin and 40 other digital assets with cash. Old school Bitcoin ATMs can’t do all that,” Coin Cloud asserted. Hercules Cummings, the finance director of the City of Williston, said in a statement:
“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.”
The city of Williston is located part of the Bakken formation, which is well-known for oil and natural gas deposits. The initiative by the city build’s up on previous work on embracing cryptocurrency. The city’s dalliance with digital currencies started in May by accepting Bitcoin as payment for utility bills. According to Cummins, Williston was the first municipality in North Dakota and the third to accept crypto payments in the US. It is offered in partnership with crypto firm BitPay.
Withdraw cash from their digital wallets
Cummings said the airport’s so-called digital currency machine could serve people who prefer not to use their bank or debit cards or don’t have access to traditional financial services. Ticketed passengers and non-travelers will have access to the machine as it will be placed before a secured area. People can also use the device to withdraw cash from their digital wallets. Cummins added:
“By the government accepting cryptocurrencies for utility payments now coupled with hosting cryptocurrency ATMs, a government is a key player providing exposure to the public and accelerating adoption of cryptocurrency […] as part of our roadmap. We will eventually cross these payment corridors over to licenses, permits, and other fees within the city.”
The city’s officials said the airport’s digital currency machine would be available to serve people who don’t prefer to use their debit or bank cards or those lacking access to traditional financial services. The machine will be placed before a secured area where ticketed passengers and non-travelers will have access. People can also use the machine to withdraw cash from their digital wallets.