California City Seeks Bitcoin ATMs Regulation

A city in California is seeking state and local regulations to govern Bitcoin ATMs in order to reduce fraud and increase transparency.

The City of Chico, California, is looking to a combination of state legislation and local ordinances to improve regulation of Bitcoin ATMs.

During a discussion held on August 7 by the Local Government Committee, Andy Pickett, Chief Administrative Officer of Butte County, discussed ongoing efforts to regulate Bitcoin ATMs.

Pickett highlighted recent state legislation aimed at curbing fraud related to Bitcoin ATMs.

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An investigation conducted by California in October 2023 revealed that some crypto ATMs were charging premiums as high as 33%, with some machines allowing transactions worth up to $50,000. Consequently, a bill was passed to limit daily deposits to $1,000 and require disclosure of receipts and operator names for all crypto ATM transactions.

Pickett noted:

The significant impact will come from the bill, effective July 2025, which will regulate Bitcoin ATMs in a manner similar to banks.

He also stressed the need for local regulation of Bitcoin ATMs, mentioning that “each jurisdiction will need to enact its own ordinance to regulate these machines, and such ordinances will likely face legal challenges.”

Alexander Stefanov

With over 8 years of experience in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry, Alexander is a seasoned content creator and market analyst dedicated to making digital assets more accessible and understandable. He specializes in breaking down complex crypto trends, analyzing market movements, and producing insightful content aimed at educating both newcomers and seasoned investors. Alexander has built a reputation for delivering timely and accurate analysis, while keeping a close eye on regulatory developments, emerging technologies, and macroeconomic trends that shape the future of digital finance. His work is rooted in a passion for innovation and a firm belief that widespread education is key to accelerating global crypto adoption.