Spokane already banned the kiosks in 2025, now Kennewick and the City of Spokane Valley are considering similar ordinances.
Why Are they Considering This Ban?
There are, according to bitcoindepot.com, 10 Bitcoin ATM locations in the Tri-Cities, 5 in Kennewick, 3 in Richland and two in Pasco. These are machines where you can convert cash into crypto currency using cash or a debit card. Including other ‘brands’ of crypto, Officials say there’s at least 16 overall in Kennewick.
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According to the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business, Kennewick has discussed and the City Council is considering an ordinance banning these types of machines. Kennewick Police said the machines are increasingly being used as part of schemes to defraud citizens.
The KPD said, according to the Journal, they have seen growing fraud:
“Kennewick Police have investigated nearly 40 cases of scams involving cryptocurrency kiosks since 2023, with total losses estimated at $923,771.”…