Bitcoin Halving Demystified: What You Need to Know

Bitcoin Halving Explained: What It Means and Why It Matters in 2024

Bitcoin halving is one of the most anticipated events in the cryptocurrency world, and it’s coming again in April 2024. If you’re wondering what halving is, how it affects Bitcoin’s price, and why it’s such a big deal for crypto investors, you’re in the right place.

At Bitstop, we make it simple to buy Bitcoin with cash at hundreds of locations across the U.S. But knowing why Bitcoin matters is just as important as how to buy it. Let’s break it down.

What Is Bitcoin Halving? (And Why It Happens)

Bitcoin halving is a scheduled event that cuts the reward miners receive for validating new Bitcoin blocks in half. This happens every 210,000 blocks, roughly every four years, and it’s hardcoded into Bitcoin’s protocol by its creator, Satoshi Nakamoto.

The purpose? To control inflation and limit Bitcoin’s total supply to 21 million coins, just like gold or other scarce resources.

Moreover, halving is seen as a milestone that reinforces Bitcoin’s value proposition as a deflationary currency, unlike fiat currencies, which can be printed indefinitely. This scarcity principle is a key reason why many view Bitcoin as “digital gold.”

Why Does Bitcoin Halving Affect the Price?

Bitcoin’s supply is cut in half, but demand often stays the same or increases. This creates scarcity, which can drive prices higher. That’s why each past halving has been followed by a major bull run.

Less new BTC entering circulation
Increased demand from retail and institutional buyers
Greater attention on crypto markets

It’s a formula that often results in upward pressure on Bitcoin’s price.

What Happens After a Bitcoin Halving? (History of Price Surges)

Let’s look at what happened after the last three halvings:

2012: Price jumped from ~$12 to over $1,000
2016: Price surged from ~$650 to nearly $20,000
2020: BTC went from ~$8,500 to an all-time high of $69,000

While no outcome is guaranteed, the pattern has repeated enough that the crypto community watches each halving closely. The 2024 halving could be another historic chapter.

What This Means for You

The 2024 halving is already shaping conversations across the Bitcoin space. If you’re holding Bitcoin, considering buying some, or just curious, this event could shape the market in big ways.

And with Bitstop, getting Bitcoin is easier than ever. Our nationwide network of ATMs lets you buy BTC with cash, no bank account or app required.

Whether you’re dollar-cost averaging or making your first crypto purchase, the halving is a great time to learn more about Bitcoin’s long-term value.

📍 Find a Bitcoin ATM Near You

Ready to take part in Bitcoin’s next chapter? Use our Bitcoin ATM locator to search by zip code, city, or use the map to find the closest machine. You’ll see hours, directions, and supported coins, plus you can even filter by coin.