Delaware is a state in the United States that was the first to ratify the Constitution of the country, earning it the nickname "The First State." On June 9, the state's lawmakers voted to for
Delaware is a state in the United States that was the first to ratify the Constitution of the country, earning it the nickname "The First State."
On June 9, the state's lawmakers voted to forward legislation to implement a blanket ban on cryptocurrency kiosks, also called Bitcoin ATMs.
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Sponsored by Representatives Cyndie Romer and Senator Spiros Mantzavinos, House Bill 441 would "establish a total ban on the installation, ownership, or operation of crypto kiosks" within the state. The bill also mandates removal of existing kiosks within 90 days of the effective date.
Violators are subject to injunctive relief, "a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000," and a "private right of action for damages caused by the violation," as per House Bill 441.
The lawmakers said they made the latest move in response to the rising scams involving the use of crypto kiosks in Delaware and across the country.
Romer, Chair of the House Technology & Telecommunications Committee, said, “These kiosks reduce digital currency to a predatory cash grab."
“Regular crypto traders generally do not use crypto ATMs due to their much higher fees, which can be upwards of 20% of the value of the transaction, versus the 0.4% to 1% in fees for online exchanges," Romer said. "There is no reason to support a business structure that enables scammers to extort money from our most vulnerable populations.”
As per the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), scammers typically lure victims with investment opportunities and get them to deposit crypto into the scammer's wallet.
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received more than 13,400 complaints involving the use of crypto kiosks, with over $388 million in losses.
In Delaware, there were 181 complaints involving crypto and 255 complaints involving crypto wallets in 2025. More than half of those complaints involved individuals over 50.
“As cryptocurrency becomes more prevalent in our society, we must work to properly regulate this new digital asset market,” said Mantzavinos.
The bill now moves to the Delaware Senate for consideration.
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