Albuquerque Bans Crypto ATMs: It’s the machines that are banned, not the coins
Albuquerque has banned crypto ATMs—not cryptocurrencies. The city council passed O-26-49, the “Virtual Currency Ordinance”: within the city limits, it is prohibited to install, operate, or provide custodial services for these machines. If a cashier collects cash for you and then helps you exchange cryptocurrencies, that will be cut off as well. Machines that are already installed must be shut down immediately, and within 45 days after the ordinance takes effect they must be physically removed.
Landlords and convenience store owners who host these machines are also considered in violation. Daily fines and license revocations can be imposed. Don’t misread it as a “statewide crypto ban in New Mexico”—the ordinance explicitly allows holding, mining, using online exchanges, and using private wallets. What it targets is physical machines and counter-based, in-person services.
Indiana, Tennessee, and Minnesota have already cleared out these kinds of machines at the state level. Local authorities are shutting down a channel for scams—not clearing out wallets.
Albuquerque has banned crypto ATMs—not cryptocurrencies. The city council passed O-26-49, the “Virtual Currency Ordinance”: within the city limits, it is prohibited to install, operate, or provide custodial services for these machines. If a cashier collects cash for you and then helps you exchange cryptocurrencies, that will be cut off as well. Machines that are already installed must be shut down immediately, and within 45 days after the ordinance takes effect they must be physically removed.
Landlords and convenience store owners who host these machines are also considered in violation. Daily fines and license revocations can be imposed. Don’t misread it as a “statewide crypto ban in New Mexico”—the ordinance explicitly allows holding, mining, using online exchanges, and using private wallets. What it targets is physical machines and counter-based, in-person services.
Indiana, Tennessee, and Minnesota have already cleared out these kinds of machines at the state level. Local authorities are shutting down a channel for scams—not clearing out wallets.
