Multiple states in the U.S. are advancing bans on cryptocurrency ATMs, driven by fraud and significant losses prompting tighter regulations

The states of Delaware and New Jersey are advancing legislation to comprehensively ban the installation and operation of Crypto ATM devices, citing that these devices are widely used for fraudulent activities. The Delaware House Economic Committee has passed a related bill that aims to prohibit the possession, installation, or operation of Crypto ATMs, requiring existing devices to be removed within 90 days after the bill takes effect; violations could result in fines of up to $10,000 and possible recovery of costs or inclusion in a consumer protection fund.

Meanwhile, the New Jersey Senate Commerce Committee has also unanimously passed a similar bill, prohibiting business activities related to Crypto ATMs, with penalties for violations reaching up to $20,000. According to data from the FBI in May, complaints involving Crypto ATMs approached 13,500 in 2025, resulting in losses exceeding $388 million, a significant increase from the previous year, with more than half of the victims aged 50 and above. Currently, several states, including Indiana, Tennessee, and Minnesota, have fully banned Crypto ATMs, and some states and local governments have also imposed limits on transaction amounts.

Under regulatory pressure, Crypto ATM operators are facing ongoing impacts, with industry leader Bitcoin Depot having previously filed for bankruptcy due to a deteriorating operating environment. Meanwhile, operators emphasize that they have set up risk warnings and transaction limits and deny direct responsibility for third-party fraud.