Last year, the global network of Bitcoin ATMs expanded
significantly, with 2,217 new machines installed, a 6.02% year-over-year
increase, bringing the total to 38,768 by January 1, 2025.
This is according to research by Finbold, which also
showed that the US maintained its dominance while Europe continued to gain a
growing share amid market downturns.
US Leads
The United States retained its position as the
dominant player, hosting 81.27% of all Bitcoin ATMs by year-end. Starting the
year with 30,411 machines, the country reportedly added 1,094 new
installations, underscoring its continued leadership.
However, its global share dropped slightly, from 83.2%
in January 2024 to 81.27% by 2025, as Europe consistently gained ground. Europe
stood out for its steady growth despite the “crypto winter” that caused
significant declines in global ATM numbers in 2023.
The continent added 116 ATMs in 2024, a 7.5% increase,
boosting its market share from 4.23% to 4.29%. According to the report, this
consistent expansion highlights Europe’s growing interest in cryptocurrency
infrastructure, even as global trends fluctuated.
Interestingly, the majority of Bitcoin ATM
installations occurred during the first half of 2024, coinciding with the early
stages of a cryptocurrency bull market. By late April, nearly 1,942 new machines had been
deployed, averaging 485 installations per month.
However, from May to December,
the pace slowed dramatically to just 34 machines per month, despite Bitcoin and
other digital assets reaching record highs in November. This trend suggests that infrastructure growth may not
directly align with market peaks but rather precede them as companies
anticipate increased demand.
Resilience and Challenges Ahead
While the total number of Bitcoin ATMs at the start of
2025 fell short of the all-time high recorded in December 2022 (39,954
machines), the year’s rebound from the July 2023 low of 33,076 demonstrated the
market’s resilience.
The correlation between crypto market cycles and ATM
growth highlights how digital asset adoption drives physical infrastructure. As
Europe continues its steady ascent and the U.S. faces slight declines in market
share, the dynamics of Bitcoin ATM installations in 2025 may reveal further
shifts in the global cryptocurrency landscape.
This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.
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