How can you buy those futures as a regular joe? CBOE seems to be aimed at certified traders
The idea is that there are two kinds of investors: Sophisticated ones who can look out for themselves, and regular joes, who are protected against being ripped off by extra regulations and extra paperwork. Bitcoin futures aren't the kind of product for which anyone will go though those regulations and do that paperwork.
Now, how do you become a sophisticated investor? First of all, have a spare million or tow. Next, fill out a quite simple form.
Many of the other large retail brokerages said they would offer them pending liquidity/volume thresholds.