**Spokane, Washington, Enacts Complete Ban on Cryptocurrency ATMs Amid Rising Fraud Concerns**

Spokane, Washington, has become the first major U.S. city to enact a complete ban on cryptocurrency ATMs, reflecting growing concerns about scams linked to these machines. The City Council unanimously passed Ordinance C36704, marking a significant move in regulatory efforts to combat crypto-related fraud.

### Spokane Leads with Landmark Crypto ATM Prohibition

The new ordinance requires all cryptocurrency ATM operators to remove their machines from within city limits. Paul Dillon, a member of the Spokane City Council, stated, “This ordinance will protect vulnerable Spokane residents from scams involving virtual currency kiosks, and I am proud we are the first city in the state to move this legislation forward.”

This decisive action was influenced, in part, by an FBI report revealing nearly $5.6 billion in cryptocurrency-related losses across the U.S. Detective Tim Schwering of the Spokane Police Department highlighted the financial impact on local residents and emphasized that this ordinance is a critical first step toward public protection.

Currently, about 80% of the world’s cryptocurrency ATMs are located in the United States, yet no other U.S. state has matched Spokane’s strict ban. However, similar discussions are underway in various jurisdictions, signaling a potential shift in how crypto infrastructure is regulated.

### Broader Regulatory Implications

Industry analysts from Coincu observe that Spokane’s ordinance may trigger changes in regulatory frameworks, particularly regarding the varying responses at state versus federal levels. This evolving landscape could lead to significant modifications in how crypto services operate across the nation.

### Bitcoin’s Market Trends Amid Regulatory Changes

Amid these regulatory developments, Bitcoin (BTC) currently trades at $90,525.39, experiencing a modest 3.37% increase over the past 24 hours, according to CoinMarketCap. Despite the price uptick, Bitcoin’s trading volume has dropped sharply by 67.97% over the last 90 days, alongside a 21.49% decrease in price during the same period.

The circulating supply of Bitcoin stands at 19,974,315 BTC, edging closer to its total maximum limit of 21,000,000 BTC.

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Spokane’s pioneering move to ban cryptocurrency ATMs underscores a broader trend toward enhanced consumer protection and stricter oversight in the rapidly evolving crypto market. Other cities and states may soon follow suit as concerns over crypto scams and fraud continue to mount.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/spokane-imposes-ban-on-cryptocurrency-atms/