比特幣 ATM：重塑加密貨幣格局

比特幣 ATM 機越來越受歡迎，全球安裝數量超過 37,000 台。它們是法幣到加密貨幣轉換的關鍵接入點，並為無銀行帳戶和反銀行消費者提供金融服務。比特幣 ATM 提供各種用例，包括投機投資、高效匯款和價值儲存。它們為零售商提供了利潤豐厚的收入機會，預計到 2033 年將達到 168.5 億美元。

Bitcoin ATMs: A Transformative Force in the Crypto Ecosystem

比特幣 ATM：加密生態系統的變革力量

Ten years have passed since the inaugural Bitcoin ATM made its debut at Waves Coffee House in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. Since then, the proliferation of Bitcoin ATMs has been nothing short of exponential. According to Coin ATM Radar, the global landscape currently boasts a staggering 37,056 Bitcoin ATMs, with 31,006 of them located within the United States alone. Despite the burgeoning popularity of online exchanges, the physical presence of Bitcoin ATMs continues to grow at a steady pace, with their presence now gracing gas stations, shopping malls, and grocery stores alike.

自從首台比特幣 ATM 在不列顛哥倫比亞省溫哥華市中心的 Waves 咖啡館首次亮相以來，已經過去了十年。從那時起，比特幣 ATM 機的數量呈指數級增長。根據 Coin ATM Radar 的數據，全球目前擁有 37,056 台比特幣 ATM，其中 31,006 台位於美國境內。儘管線上交易日益普及，但比特幣 ATM 的實體存在仍在穩步增長，現在加油站、購物中心和雜貨店都在使用它們。

The significance of Bitcoin ATMs cannot be overstated, as they play a critical role in accelerating the adoption of cryptocurrencies. They serve as an essential bridge between fiat currencies (dollars) and the crypto ecosystem, thereby providing unbanked or anti-banking consumers with access to financial services. Moreover, many Bitcoin ATMs offer the option of purchasing crypto with cash, effectively serving as fiat off-ramps and granting users swift access to their funds.

比特幣 ATM 的重要性怎麼強調都不為過，因為它們在加速加密貨幣的採用方面發揮關鍵作用。它們是法定貨幣（美元）和加密生態系統之間的重要橋樑，從而為無銀行帳戶或反銀行消費者提供金融服務。此外，許多比特幣 ATM 機提供用現金購買加密貨幣的選項，有效地充當法定出口匝道並讓用戶能夠快速獲取資金。

Neighborhood Crypto Access Points

鄰裡加密存取點

Bitcoin ATMs have become ubiquitous neighborhood crypto access points. They empower individuals to purchase cryptocurrencies while engaging in mundane activities such as filling up their gas tanks or running errands at the grocery store. The conspicuous signage adorning these machines, beckoning with the promise of "Bitcoin Sold Here," piques curiosity and sparks interest in the world of crypto.

比特幣 ATM 機已成為無所不在的社群加密接入點。它們使個人能夠在進行日常活動（例如加油或在雜貨店跑腿）的同時購買加密貨幣。這些機器上裝飾著顯眼的標牌，上面寫著「這裡出售比特幣」的承諾，激起了人們的好奇心，激發了人們對加密貨幣世界的興趣。

Digital currencies like Bitcoin were conceived with the express intention of creating a new paradigm of electronic cash. Bitcoin ATMs embody this vision, enabling individuals to acquire this novel currency and leverage it for digital payments, remittances, or as a store of value. Envision if traditional assets, such as stocks, were made available for purchase in fractional amounts at physical locations using cash. Bitcoin ATMs represent a comparable financial opportunity, as Bitcoin's deflationary store of value is unmatched in the annals of finance.

像比特幣這樣的數位貨幣的誕生，是為了創造一種新的電子現金範式。比特幣 ATM 體現了這一願景，使個人能夠獲得這種新穎的貨幣，並將其用於數位支付、匯款或作為價值儲存。想像一下是否可以使用現金在實體地點小額購買傳統資產（例如股票）。比特幣 ATM 代表了類似的金融機會，因為比特幣的通貨緊縮價值儲存在金融史上是無與倫比的。

The Multifaceted Use Cases of Bitcoin ATMs

比特幣 ATM 的多方面用例

The reasons why people turn to Bitcoin ATMs are as varied as the individuals themselves. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are often perceived as speculative stores of value or as more efficient mediums of exchange. Two digital currencies that excel in these use cases are Bitcoin and USDC. USDC, a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar, is accessible via Bitcoin ATMs and is redeemable one-to-one with the U.S. dollar. The following examples illustrate how Bitcoin ATMs are being employed in real-world scenarios:

人們轉向比特幣 ATM 的原因與個人本身一樣多種多樣。比特幣和其他加密貨幣通常被視為投機價值儲存或更有效的交換媒介。在這些用例中表現出色的兩種數位貨幣是比特幣和 USDC。 USDC 是一種與美元掛鉤的穩定幣，可以透過比特幣 ATM 訪問，並且可以與美元一對一兌換。以下範例說明如何在現實場景中使用比特幣 ATM：

• In 2014, the value of a single Bitcoin hovered around a mere few hundred dollars. Early adopters who purchased Bitcoin at the first licensed Bitcoin ATM in the United States, which opened in Seattle, Washington, that same year, have since reaped substantial gains, as Bitcoin now trades close to $70,000 per coin.
• A mother wired funds to her daughter, who was studying abroad in Italy and urgently needed money to repair her car. The mechanic agreed to accept Bitcoin as payment, prompting her to seek out a Bitcoin ATM so that she could send her daughter the necessary funds. Within minutes, the mechanic had received the payment.
• Immigrants residing in the United States can use Bitcoin ATMs to purchase USDC with cash and subsequently send it back to their home countries, where recipients can withdraw the funds in their local fiat currency.

Opportunities for Businesses

2014年，單一比特幣的價值徘徊在幾百美元左右。同年，在美國第一家獲得許可的比特幣ATM 機（該ATM 機於華盛頓州西雅圖開業）上購買比特幣的早期採用者從此獲得了可觀的收益，因為比特幣現在的交易價格接近每枚70,000美元。一位母親將資金匯給她的女兒正在義大利留學的她，急需錢修車。機械師同意接受比特幣作為付款方式，促使她尋找比特幣 ATM，以便她可以向女兒發送必要的資金。幾分鐘之內，技工就收到了付款。居住在美國的移民可以使用比特幣ATM 機用現金購買USDC，然後將其匯回自己的祖國，在那裡收款人可以以當地法定貨幣提取資金。企業的機會

Bitcoin ATMs present a lucrative opportunity for businesses that maintain a physical retail presence. Retailers can generate rental income by hosting ATMs and can also capitalize on the increased foot traffic that these machines attract. Alternative arrangements may allow retailers to receive a percentage of each transaction fee. It is imperative that retailers only partner with licensed and insured operators and implement robust AML policies and procedures.

比特幣 ATM 機為維持實體零售業務的企業提供了利潤豐厚的機會。零售商可以透過託管 ATM 機產生租金收入，也可以利用這些機器吸引的人流量增加。替代安排可能允許零售商收取每筆交易費用的一定比例。零售商必須僅與獲得許可和投保的業者合作，並實施強有力的反洗錢政策和程序。

The primary benefit of hosting a Bitcoin ATM is the influx of customers that it draws to retail establishments. Websites such as Coin ATM Radar provide comprehensive listings of ATM locations, essentially offering free advertising. Bitcoin ATMs are also searchable via Google Maps and are often co-listed with the hosting businesses. Customers who purchase crypto at ATMs are likely to return for repeat visits and to make additional purchases. In this regard, they foster a mutually beneficial relationship between the retailer and the Bitcoin ATM operator.

託管比特幣 ATM 的主要好處是它吸引了零售店的大量客戶。 Coin ATM Radar 等網站提供了 ATM 位置的完整列表，本質上是提供免費廣告。比特幣 ATM 也可以透過谷歌地圖搜索，並且通常與託管企業共同列出。在 ATM 機上購買加密貨幣的客戶可能會再次光臨並進行額外購買。在這方面，他們促進了零售商和比特幣 ATM 營運商之間的互利關係。

The Evolving Landscape of Bitcoin ATMs

比特幣 ATM 的演變

The crypto winter of 2022-2023 led to industry consolidation within the Bitcoin ATM sector, reducing the number of operators to just a handful of key players by early 2024. However, the pace of Bitcoin ATM installations is once again on the rise, and analysts predict a positive outlook for crypto in 2024. As such, Bitcoin ATMs are poised to remain a cornerstone of the crypto economy. But what lies ahead in the next five to ten years?

2022 年至 2023 年的加密寒冬導致了比特幣 ATM 領域的行業整合，到 2024 年初，運營商數量減少為少數關鍵參與者。然而，比特幣 ATM 的安裝速度再次加快，分析師認為預測2024 年加密貨幣前景樂觀。因此，比特幣ATM 仍將成為加密經濟的基石。但未來五到十年會發生什麼事？

Despite the rapid adoption of digital payment methods, cash remains one of the most widely used payment options in the United States, accounting for over 18% of all transactions. Moreover, cash offers the unique advantage of eliminating any risk of chargebacks. Individuals who use Bitcoin ATMs can instantly access their purchased Bitcoin and then send it on-chain as a secure form of remittance or payment.

儘管數位支付方式迅速普及，但現金仍然是美國使用最廣泛的支付方式之一，佔所有交易的 18% 以上。此外，現金具有消除任何退款風險的獨特優勢。使用比特幣 ATM 的個人可以立即存取他們購買的比特幣，然後將其作為安全的匯款或支付形式發送到鏈上。

While Bitcoin ATMs provide a valuable service, their high operating costs represent a major challenge. Expenses such as hardware, retailer rent, software, cash logistics, and ongoing maintenance can make it difficult to run a profitable Bitcoin ATM. A more cost-effective approach involves enabling existing ATMs and kiosks with cryptocurrency functionality, allowing users to seamlessly exchange crypto with cash.

雖然比特幣 ATM 提供了有價值的服務，但其高昂的營運成本構成了重大挑戰。硬體、零售商租金、軟體、現金物流和持續維護等費用可能會使比特幣 ATM 難以獲利。更具成本效益的方法是為現有的 ATM 和自助服務終端提供加密貨幣功能，使用戶能夠無縫地用現金交換加密貨幣。

This can be achieved through the integration of an API, eliminating the need for dedicated crypto-specific hardware. Over time, we anticipate increased collaboration between traditional financial institutions and the crypto industry, as these institutions seek to offer crypto buying and selling services to their customers in order to remain competitive and meet market demand.

這可以透過整合 API 來實現，從而無需專用的加密專用硬體。隨著時間的推移，我們預計傳統金融機構和加密貨幣行業之間的合作將會加強，因為這些機構尋求為其客戶提供加密貨幣買賣服務，以保持競爭力並滿足市場需求。

It is worth reflecting upon the humble beginnings of crypto, when strangers would meet in person to exchange USB sticks containing Bitcoin for cash. In the emerging world of multi-currency digital currencies, both physical and digital channels will converge to facilitate seamless and efficient transitions between crypto and fiat. This will effectively remove barriers to the adoption of a blockchain-based financial system. Bitcoin ATMs will undoubtedly continue to grow in popularity and remain an indispensable part of this ecosystem for many years to come.

值得反思的是加密貨幣的卑微開端，當時陌生人會親自見面，用包含比特幣的 USB 記憶棒交換現金。在多幣種數位貨幣的新興世界中，實體和數位管道將融合，以促進加密貨幣和法定貨幣之間的無縫和高效的轉換。這將有效消除採用基於區塊鏈的金融系統的障礙。比特幣 ATM 無疑將繼續流行，並在未來許多年仍然是這個生態系統不可或缺的一部分。