Bitcoin Bancorp Expands Crypto ATM Network to Texas in 2026

Bitcoin Bancorp, the cryptocurrency ATM operator formerly known as Bullet Blockchain, has announced a significant expansion into Texas, planning to deploy up to 200 machines by the first quarter of 2026. This strategic move places the company alongside established players like Bitcoin Depot and CoinFlip in a state rapidly emerging as a central hub for digital asset activity in the United States. The expansion is driven by Texas’s reputation for business-friendly, pro-innovation regulation and its large population, highlighting a broader trend of institutional and retail crypto adoption converging in the Lone Star State.

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New Zealand Bans Crypto ATMs to Combat Money Laundering

The New Zealand government has announced a ban on all cryptocurrency ATMs, targeting around 200–220 machines nationwide, as part of a new anti-money laundering law. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee stated the measure aims to curb criminal activities like fraud and drug trafficking by limiting anonymous cash-to-crypto conversions. Additionally, international cash transfers will be capped at $5,000 to prevent illicit fund movements. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) will receive enhanced authority to request transaction data from banks. This aligns New Zealand with global trends, as countries like Australia and the UK have already imposed similar restrictions on crypto ATMs. The ban reflects growing concerns over the misuse of digital assets for money laundering and organized crime.

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Ethereum’s Scalability Struggles & Rising Crypto Rivals

Ethereum faces mounting challenges to its dominance in DeFi and NFTs due to scalability struggles, high gas fees, and internal turbulence within the Ethereum Foundation. Competitors like Solana, Avalanche, and Aptos are capitalizing with faster speeds and lower costs, attracting developers and projects. Despite these threats, Ethereum retains advantages in security, developer community size, and Layer-2 integration. Macroeconomic factors, such as inflation, are also influencing crypto trends, with Bitcoin emerging as a hedge and stablecoins gaining utility. Ethereum’s future hinges on timely upgrades like Proto-Danksharding, while the broader crypto landscape evolves rapidly.

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Iowa Court Rules Bitcoin ATM Scam Funds Return to Operator

The Iowa Supreme Court ruled in favor of Bitcoin Depot, stating that money deposited into its ATMs during scams in 2023 and 2024 must be returned to the company, not the victims. The court found that Bitcoin Depot had no prior knowledge of the scams and had provided warnings to users. The decision reverses a lower court ruling and underscores the challenges in regulating crypto transactions. Meanwhile, Bitcoin Depot faces broader legal scrutiny in Iowa, with allegations of high fraud rates and misleading refund policies.

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Crypto Power Lunch Highlights Bipartisan Efforts for Digital Asset Regulation

U.S. Republican Representatives hosted a “Crypto Power Lunch” to discuss digital asset policies ahead of the White House crypto summit in 2025. Key political figures and industry leaders from organizations like Coinbase and Andreessen Horowitz attended, aiming to balance regulation with innovation in the growing crypto sector.The event reflects bipartisan interest in shaping clearer regulations that protect consumers while fostering industry growth, potentially paving the way for future legislation. The upcoming White House summit on March 7 is anticipated to be a pivotal moment for cryptocurrency regulation.

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Senator Durbin Proposes Bill to Combat Crypto ATM Fraud in the US

Illinois Senator Dick Durbin has introduced the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act to combat rising fraud at crypto ATMs, particularly targeting senior citizens. The legislation mandates operators to warn consumers about scams, limit daily deposits, and provide refunds to fraud victims. With Americans losing over $5 billion to crypto fraud in 2023, the bill aims to implement protective measures and enhance law enforcement’s ability to tackle these crimes.

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Australian Police Uncover Stolen Bitcoin ATMs and Collector Cards Syndicate

Australian police have dismantled a crime syndicate responsible for a series of burglaries targeting cryptocurrency ATMs and collector card stores in Melbourne, recovering stolen items including firearms and tens of thousands of dollars in collectibles. Four men were arrested, with one facing multiple charges, including 14 counts of burglary. Authorities suspect the group is linked to larger organized crime networks.

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Global Crypto ATM Numbers Rise as Market Recovers in 2025

Global crypto ATM numbers are on the rise, nearing their peak of 39,958 machines from December 2022, with 38,866 ATMs reported as of January 11, 2025. The U.S. dominates the market, hosting 81.3% of these machines, while Bitcoin remains the most supported cryptocurrency, available on 38,855 ATMs. Key players include Bitcoin Depot, Coinflip, and Athena Bitcoin, which collectively manage a significant portion of the infrastructure.

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