Politics
Nevada Lawmakers Weigh Crypto ATM Ban as Scam Losses Mount
A legislative committee has requested a bill draft for 2027 that would ban cryptocurrency ATMs in Nevada, citing millions in losses to scammersâespecially seniorsâwhile major kiosk operator CoinFlip pushes back, calling the machines a matter of consumer choice.
Nevada is moving toward a possible statewide ban on cryptocurrency ATMs, with a legislative committee already requesting a bill draft for the 2027 session, Assemblymember Reuben D'Silva of Las Vegas and Clark County said.
The Legislative Committee on Senior Citizens, Veterans and Adults With Special Needs requested the draft as scam losses tied to crypto kiosks continue to climb. According to a 2025 FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center report, 13,460 complaints nationwide reported $389 million in losses from cryptocurrency ATMs and kiosks. AARP notes that more than 70% of victims were over age 60.
"According to the FBI's numbers, here in Nevada, we're talking at least $5 million," said Tod Story, state director for AARP Nevada. "What AARP is against is the scam and the crimes that are being perpetuated against individuals, especially seniors, through the use of these crypto kiosks."
D'Silva said he has consulted with the FBI, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, the district attorney's office and the attorney general's office, and that they described widespread fraud around the machines.
"There's a lot of activity around these machines that are fraudulent, that are scamsâthe majority, some even said," D'Silva said. "When you look at the sort of business model here in Nevada, which is completely unregulated, we need to go ahead and start reining in these crypto kiosks throughout the state."
Senior advocates argue that scammers, often operating internationally, are difficult to track, and that victims may struggle to recover funds unless law enforcement intervenes quickly.
Indiana became the first state to enact a full ban, and other states are weighing sweeping proposals, including Nevada. More than 30 states have adopted daily transaction limits and other safeguards, according to AARP.
CoinFlip, a major crypto ATM provider with 41 machines in Nevada and 23 in Las Vegas, opposes an outright ban. The company said it has championed consumer protection laws in more than 30 states and works with law enforcement to help customers recover funds from scammers.
In a statement, CoinFlip said consumer protection is a top priority, with multiple scam warnings shown before every transaction, including its "Safe in Six" guidance. Customers must confirm that no third party sent them to the kiosk and that they control the receiving wallet, the company said. It also pointed to 24/7 live customer service, blockchain analytics used to flag suspicious activity, and a blacklist of high-risk wallet addresses.
"Claims that these transactions are irreversible and untraceable are false," the company said.
CoinFlip added that independent contractorsâincluding drivers, hospitality workers and salon employees paid in cashârely on crypto ATMs to convert their pay.
"Nevadans should have the freedom to choose how they want to buy their crypto," the statement said.
The debate comes as state officials look for ways to curb financial exploitation of older residents. For Nevada's seniors and their families, the outcome could determine whether the kiosks remain available at allâor whether the state joins Indiana in shutting them down.