Mon Dec 01 07:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text:

St. Paul City Council to Vote on Ban of Cryptocurrency Kiosks Amid Scams

St. Paul, MN – November 26, 2025 – The St. Paul City Council is set to vote today on a proposed ordinance that would ban all cryptocurrency kiosks within the city limits. The move comes in response to a surge in reported scams linked to these devices, leading to significant financial losses for Minnesota residents.

According to local news outlet KSTP, the city currently hosts between 80 and 90 cryptocurrency kiosks. Proponents of the ban argue the measure is necessary to safeguard the “general welfare of the public” by preventing further instances of fraud. Statewide, scam-related losses connected to cryptocurrency kiosks have reportedly reached $91 million.

However, the proposed ban is facing opposition from industry representatives. Ethan McClelland, director of government relations for Bitcoin Depot, a major operator of cryptocurrency kiosks, defended the devices during a public hearing. “We utilize sophisticated tracker monitoring and have implemented multiple consumer-facing safeguards,” McClelland stated. He argued that a complete ban on a regulated industry that serves a legitimate financial need for many residents is “unnecessary” and “reactionary.” Bitcoin Depot also claims that it has been actively implementing new fraud protections.

The council’s vote is expected to be close, with both sides making their case. The outcome will likely set a precedent for other cities grappling with the growing popularity and potential pitfalls of cryptocurrency kiosks.

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