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Vegas Casino launches first ever Bitcoin ATM

Friday, 23 May 20143 min read

The D Casino in downtown Las Vegas has become the first gaming venue to install a Bitcoin ATM.

The casino became the first to accept the virtual currency for non-gaming services earlier this year.

The casino has teamed up with manufacturer Robocoin which launched the first Bitcoin ATM in a Canadian coffee shop last year.

Robocoin CEO Jordan Kelley said that ATM took $1 million worth of transactions within its first month.

"This is going to change the international gaming market considerably and add enormous value from a gaming perspective," Kelley said.

Customer are required to set up a Robocoin account before depositing or withdrawing cash which can be done by mobile phone and verified with ‘biometric authentication.’

Kelley said it takes just five minutes to complete registration.

"Having a machine in a casino is a testament to how far Bitcoin has come," he said.

Due to the high instability of the virtual currency, Nevada Gaming Control Board have not yet authorized the use of Bitcoin for gambling.

Casino owner Derek Stevens says Bitcoin has already had a positive impact on the business.

"It’s broadened our target base," said Stevens,

He said he plans to install another Bitcoin ATM by the end of June and up to five more by the year-end.