Minnesota Bans Cryptocurrency Kiosks Amid Scam Concerns

The state of Minnesota is set to become the first in the nation to ban cryptocurrency kiosks, also known as Bitcoin ATMs. Starting on August 1st, 2026, these kiosks must be taken offline and removed by December 31st of that year.

The decision comes after officials investigated over 100 cryptocurrency scams and theft cases between 2023 and 2025, with Minnesotans reporting losses of nearly $1 million. Older adults made up many of the victims, according to the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

'Cryptocurrency kiosks have become a powerful tool for scammers,' said Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans, 'allowing them to take and move a victim's money in a matter of minutes, often before anyone can intervene.'