May the Odds Be Ever in Your Favor... With Bitcoin: Square Bets on Crypto for Everyday Use!

Vegas Baby! (And Bitcoin?)

Well isn't this just like the Capitol always chasing the next shiny object? Now it's Bitcoin apparently. Word on the street – or rather the Vegas Strip – is that Square's trying to make Bitcoin a thing you can actually you know *use*. They've got a merch truck at some Bitcoin convention selling hoodies and hats for crypto. Because nothing says 'rebellion' like a $50 Bitcoin emblazoned beanie right? I can picture Effie Trinket now just *thrilled* by the fashion possibilities. I can almost hear her squealing out 'That is mahogany!'

Lightning Strikes (Hopefully Faster Than a Tracker Jacker)

This whole thing runs on something called 'Lightning,' which is supposed to make Bitcoin transactions faster and cheaper. Because let's face it waiting for a Bitcoin transaction to clear is about as fun as volunteering as tribute. Supposedly Square handles all the messy stuff in the background like figuring out how much a Bitcoin is worth in actual you know *dollars*. It's all very high tech I'm told. If it works maybe I can finally buy some decent hunting boots without having to barter a squirrel. 'Remember who the real enemy is' slow transaction times.

Block Party (Or Just a Small Get Together)?

Apparently this is Block's big plan to make Bitcoin 'everyday money'. They're starting in Vegas but they want to roll it out to millions of businesses. Sounds ambitious even for someone who's blown up as many Gamemaker plans as I have. The guy in charge Miles Suter sounds like he drinks the Bitcoin Kool Aid. He says Bitcoin is the future of the internet. I just hope the future includes actual food and not just overpriced crypto merch. And if we burn you burn with us! The future is looking bright for crypto.

Hold or Fold? (The Bitcoin Dilemma)

Here's the thing: most people see Bitcoin as 'digital gold,' something to hoard not spend. Like President Snow with his roses – pretty to look at but ultimately useless for feeding a family. But Block's betting that people will actually *use* Bitcoin to buy stuff. Suter compares it to when Cash App first started letting people trade Bitcoin. Everyone doubted it then too he says. Maybe he's right. Maybe Bitcoin *can* be more than just a way for rich people to get richer. Time will tell.

A Merchant's New Best Friend (Or Just Another Tax Headache)?

Square is offering tools for businesses to accept convert and manage Bitcoin. If businesses don't want to hold Bitcoin they can instantly convert it to dollars. So basically it's just another payment method like credit cards. But for businesses that *do* want to hold Bitcoin Square's building a whole suite of tools. It's all about giving merchants more options apparently. Because nothing says 'freedom' like having more ways to pay for things. I'm not too sure this would have worked in District 12 the barter system was the way to go!

The Little Guy Gets a Slice (Maybe)

While the big corporations are busy hoarding Bitcoin like it's the last loaf of bread Block says they're focused on helping small and medium sized businesses. They want the 'little guy' to get the benefits of Bitcoin. Which let's be honest is a refreshing change. Usually the 'little guy' just gets the shaft. Suter claims that merchants who used Square's Bitcoin conversion tool have all made money. We shall see... 'I am not a piece in their game.' I certainly hope not!