Delaware lawmakers this week advanced a bill that would ban all cryptocurrency kiosks in the state and require them to be physically removed within 90 days. The legislation, which cleared a key committee vote on Tuesday, now heads to the full House. If enacted, Delaware would become the first state to outlaw crypto kiosks statewide.
What the bill does
The proposed law defines a cryptocurrency kiosk as any electronic terminal that allows users to buy, sell, or exchange digital assets for cash. It prohibits operating, owning, or leasing such machines anywhere in Delaware. After the 90-day removal window, any kiosk left in place would be subject to seizure and daily fines.
The 90-day clock
Kiosk operators would have to pull their machines from all locations — gas stations, convenience stores, check-cashing shops — within three months of the bill's effective date. That's a short timeline for companies that may have dozens of machines under long-term leases. The bill does not offer any exemption or grace period beyond the 90 days.
Why lawmakers pushed for outright ban
Legislators have cited persistent fraud tied to the machines, which are largely unregulated. Scammers often direct victims to deposit cash into a kiosk under false pretenses, then quickly convert the crypto and disappear. Unlike bank transfers, kiosk transactions are typically irreversible and anonymous, making consumer recovery nearly impossible.
Next steps in Dover
The full House is expected to debate the bill next week. If it passes there, it moves to the state Senate. Governor Matt Meyer has not taken a public position on the measure but has previously voiced support for stronger consumer protections in digital finance. The legislative session runs through the end of June, leaving limited time for a final vote.
