Spokane, Washington’s second-largest city, just became the state’s first municipality to bar all Bitcoin/cryptocurrency ATMs.
The unanimous Spokane City Council vote on June 17, 2025, mandates that existing virtual-currency kiosks be removed within 60 days—or their operators could lose business licenses.
Why? A dramatic uptick in crypto‑ATM scams, with low‑income neighborhoods and older residents often footing the bill.
2. What’s in the Ordinance?
Council Member Paul Dillon and President Betsy Wilkerson introduced the “Virtual Currency Kiosk Prohibition for a Safer Spokane” ordinance.
| Provision | Details |
|---|---|
| Scope | Applies citywide, bans future crypto ATM installations, removes current kiosks |
| Timeline | 60 days to comply, or face civil infractions / license revocation |
| Oversight | Spokane Police to monitor compliance & track fraud stats |
| Objective | “Protect vulnerable Spokane residents” from crypto kiosk scams |
3. Why Now? – The Fraud Spike
Detective Tim Schwering flagged scams where callers impersonating IRS, police, even court officials, instruct residents to “buy crypto now or else.”
Victims—frequently age 60+—dial ATMs, deposit cash, then funds vanish to often China, North Korea, Russia, with no recourse.
FBI data:
- Nearly 11,000 crypto‑ATM scam complaints in 2024, totaling $246.7M losses.
- American losses: ~$5.6 billion; Washington alone: $141 million.
- Two‑thirds of victims are 60+, with $107 million lost in elderly fraud
4. How Spokane Stacks Up Nationally
Spokane isn’t alone. Some comparisons:
| Jurisdiction | Action Taken |
|---|---|
| Spokane, WA | Outright ATM ban, 60-day removal window |
| Stillwater, MN | Banned crypto ATMs in April 2025 |
| North Dakota | HB 1447 in review: daily $2,000 limits, warnings on ATMs, blockchain analytics |
| Nebraska | New law: licensing, 18% fee cap, $2,000 Tx limit, full refund mandate for fraud if reported in 90 days |
5. “What This Means For You”
- Anti‑scam victory: Eliminates a major fraud vector.
- Operators hurt: Over 40 kiosks scheduled for removal.
- Potential spillover: Local banks/accounts could take over legitimate crypto uses, but overall impact vague.
- Data watch: Spokane PD will release follow‑up reports on crime stats and scam trends.
FAQ – Quick Hits for Crypto-Conscious Folks
Q: Does this mean no crypto in Spokane at all?
A: Nope! Exchanges, wallets, and peer-to-peer trading unaffected—only physical kiosks are banned.
Q: Are other cities copying Spokane?
A: Yes—Stillwater, MN already banned; other states are considering similar rules.
Q: Could Spokane’s decision slow adoption?
A: Possibly—kiosks are an easy on‑ramp. But fraud wipes out trust, so it might actually build confidence long‑term.
Q: When will we see results?
A: Police will monitor post‑ban fraud data—stay tuned for local crime reports over the next several months.
Spokane hit the “crypto‑ATM panic button” and slammed it down—but with good reason.
- Elderly & low-income victims have been repeatedly targeted.
- The city’s move is a clear signal: consumer protection comes first.
- The decision is part of a growing regulatory trend, not an outlier.
- The next few months will be key: if scams nosedive, Spokane’s approach could spread fast.
Your Takeaway (Even From Far Away)
- For critics: This looks like overreach—why clamp down on kiosks that serve legitimate users?
- For advocates: This is a pro‑consumer win—protecting the vulnerable before irrevocable harm occurs.
- For other local leaders: Spokane’s experience could serve as a blueprint—evaluate public reaction and crime stats pre/post‑ban.
- For crypto businesses: Consider safer on‑ramps—licensed, transparent, with fraud safeguards.
Spokane just told Bitcoin ATMs:
“Don’t let the door hit your money on the way out.”
When scammers are busy giving free crypto lessons to grandma at 2 a.m., it’s probably time for a timeout.
Spokane’s crypto kiosk ban is bold, controversial, but arguably overdue. It flips the script—prioritizes protection over convenience. As the 60‑day window ticks down, all eyes will be on fraud trends and public sentiment.
Will Spokane become known as the crypto-ATM death star or a protector of pocketbooks? Time—and data—will tell.
