Mike Tyson's Cash-Out: Boxer Introduces Bitcoin ATM in Las Vegas

Jake Rossen
Denise Truscello, Getty Images
Denise Truscello, Getty Images / Denise Truscello, Getty Images
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Las Vegas residents and tourists now have a very Vegas way of obtaining bitcoins: from a machine endorsed by former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.

Bitcoin Direct has partnered with Tyson to offer an ATM that allows users to purchase the digital currency with their smartphones. The first was unveiled Thursday at Off the Strip at The LINQ, a restaurant at the popular city promenade.

“My fastest knockout in the ring was 30 seconds,” Tyson said. “My Bitcoin ATM can turn your cash into bitcoin in 20 seconds. Las Vegas is the fight capital of the world, and it is also a notable technology hub, making it a perfect location for the first Mike Tyson Bitcoin ATM.”

(Actually, Tyson’s fastest knockout was eight seconds, during a Junior Olympic bout. Someone should go confront him about this error.)

Peter Klamka, the Bitcoin Direct CEO, told the Las Vegas Sun in July that he anticipated Tyson will help bring attention to the burgeoning bitcoin industry. “Far more people know Mike Tyson than have ever known of bitcoin,” he said.

The company plans to expand the Tyson ATMs into other markets. Will the ex-boxer, 49, help make paper currency a thing of the past? He appears confident.

Denise Truscello, Getty Images

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