Bitcoin ATM provider Bitlish was the first to open a bonafide BTM in Russia, but it is its expansion plans that are likely to get the market talking.
Despite the growing presence of BTMs in Europe, usage is still limited.
Not inconsiderable fees, as well as a lack of general consumer understanding, mean that online options remain the go-to source for both novice and experienced traders to exchange crypto for fiat and vice versa.
UK-based Bitlish thus surprised when one of its branded machines opened in Russia’s second city St. Petersburg, closely followed by another. Both were a result of a decision by the company’s local partner, who gained an opportunity to open there rather than the capital Moscow.
"This year is set to see much more from Bitlish, with an eye-popping 5,000 machines planned Europe-wide in 2017 alone."
Currently, fewer than 200 machines are listed as operational on Bitcoin ATM finder CoinATMRadar. The country with the most machines is the UK, with 68.