Crypto

Ohioans may soon be able to pay fees, taxes with cryptocurrency like Bitcoin – Scioto Post

Published

11 months ago

April 29, 2025

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Ohioans may soon be able to pay fees, taxes with cryptocurrency like Bitcoin – Scioto Post

New virtual money concept, Gold Bitcoins ( btc ) is Digital crypto-currency use blockchain Technology for

By: Morgan Trau – April 29, 2025

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohioans are getting closer to being able to pay their taxes in cryptocurrency. A new GOP proposal lays the groundwork for digital tokens to become more mainstream.

With the stock market’s volatility, investment experts suggest diversifying your portfolio. Ohio politicians are trying to give more incentives for that, too.

“We are authorizing the use of cryptocurrency as just another way to keep up with the current practices that are generally accepted by the American public and by the people of the state of Ohio,” State Treasurer Robert Sprague said.

Sprague and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose are trying to show the state is “an innovative leader,” eventually allowing Ohioans to use it to pay for state fees and services, like taxes.

The pair is proposing that state agencies be allowed to accept crypto, but it is not mandatory.

Although it could eventually get to taxes, it would start slower with just the secretary’s office, meaning business filings.

“My office is prepared to be the first in state government to begin accepting Bitcoin and to do so immediately,” LaRose said.

So, what exactly is cryptocurrency?

Crypto is a “peer-to-peer digital currency, and it’s outside of an independent central governing authority,” Case Western Reserve University Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship’s Michael Goldberg said.

GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.SUBSCRIBEThe professor explained that the online “coins” are stored in a digital database known as a blockchain. Like stocks, they can be traded and sold. One Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency, fluctuates and was worth more than $94,000 as of 6 p.m. on Friday.

“Oftentimes with Bitcoin, there are less fees associated with it,” he said.

Two other crypto proposals are being heard in the Ohio House, with one trying to make sure that fees stay low. Both sponsored by state Rep, Steve Demetriou, R-Bainbridge Twp., one bill would “protect” cryptocurrency from putting certain taxes on it. The other would allow the treasurer to invest in “high value digital assets” in the general or reserve fund.

But because crypto spikes and falls rapidly, Goldberg warned that payments could be hard to calculate.

Government accountability advocate Catherine Turcer, with Common Cause Ohio, said this isn’t safe for the state’s finances.

“It is electronic money, anything could happen to it,” Turcer said. “Whether it’s hacking, deflation — when you pay on April 15 your taxes, and it nosedives on the 16th — it’s just too volatile.”

The treasurer explained that their system would immediately change the currency format once submitted.

“Our mission here is to have a thoughtful, safe and secure process for accepting this cryptocurrency and converting it immediately into United States dollars for the state treasury to hold,” Sprague said.

In 2024, the FBI reported $9.3 billion in losses due to cryptocurrency cybercrime.

There will always be financial fraud, Goldberg said, but when it’s online, it’s much more difficult to get back.

“Crypto is still a bit of the wild, wild west; it’s basically completely deregulated,” he said. “If somebody gets defrauded, it may be a bit more challenging for them to recoup their assets.”

It’s too risky, Turcer continued.

“Money is worth the money we say it’s worth,” she said.

Bitcoin is based on the dollar’s price, Goldberg said.

Asked whether the putting Bitcoin forward would undermine the U.S. dollar, Sprague paused, then said no.

“Having a digital asset like Bitcoin really doesn’t have anything to do with necessarily the value of the dollar,” he answered. “The number of dollars is fixed. Just because you’re allowing a transaction to occur in Bitcoin and then converting it to dollars will do nothing in terms of the strength or the weakness of the United States dollar.”

Flashbacks

This isn’t the first time the treasurer’s office tried to make crypto work.

Back in 2018, then-Treasurer Josh Mandel decided that Ohioans could pay their taxes in crypto. Within a year, the program was suspended because Attorney General Dave Yost issued an opinion that Mandel didn’t follow correct protocol in setting up the system.

“We’ll have a real process to this,” Sprague said in the recent press conference. “We’ll have a transparent process.”

Turcer is also getting reminded of the early 2000s, she said.

“We had alternative investments,” she said, referencing Coingate. “We were investing in rare coins — and you know what? The state of Ohio got ripped off.”

Coingate was a scam in which the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation invested hundreds of millions in “rare coins.” The investments were run by people aligned with the Ohio GOP. This eventually led to millions of dollars being lost and Gov. Bob Taft being the first Ohio governor charged with a crime while in office.

Crypto isn’t random, Goldberg said, and it’s been around — and profitable — for years. According to Forbes, the global cryptocurrency market cap is more than $3 trillion.

“When Bitcoin came out, I think there were a lot of questions,” Goldberg said. “And it’s held up.”

Why now?

Both Sprague and LaRose were asked if they or members of their staff own assets in cryptocurrency or if they invest in cryptocurrency-related companies.

“I wish,” Sprague laughed, and denied owning or investing in crypto.

“I do,” LaRose said. “I’m somebody that has been curious about this technology and this form of currency for a long time.”

He referenced financial disclosure documents, which are filed in May, that he said would show his financial involvement in crypto.

“I think at this point I own like $10,000 worth of Bitcoin that I’ve been able to amass by putting a little bit of my paycheck aside each month,” he said.

OCJ/WEWS requested his previous disclosures. None showed any crypto investments explicitly. He had only started investing in 2024, his team said on Friday.

LaRose isn’t the only politician who owns crypto and promotes it. President Donald Trump released his own coin, which just got a boost in the market since he offered a private dinner with him to the coin’s largest investors.

“It is interesting that (LaRose is) proposing this — it both curries favor with the president and could actually make him richer,” Turcer said. “The more people participate in the Bitcoin system, the more the value raises.”

The secretary argued that this is just to move the state forward.

“Ohioans have accepted this as a real form of currency, a form of exchange that they want to use,” he said.

Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is also a big fan of the currency. Both LaRose and Sprague have been on the campaign trail with him.

The two were asked how the measure fits in with any interests they have in becoming Ramaswamy’s pick for lieutenant governor. Sprague said he hadn’t talked to Ramaswamy about it.

“This is something that we’re working on, together, through our respective offices, to modernize our offices and make it easier for the people of the state of Ohio… So this is something we’re doing internally,” Sprague said. “We’re not doing this on the campaign trail.”

LaRose was less enthused with the question.

“I’m not gonna dignify any speculation about who Mr. Ramaswamy may or may not pick as his running mate,” he said, also saying he hadn’t spoken to the candidate about his proposal. “The reason I’m supporting him is because I appreciate his intellect and his policy stances and if this is something that he’s a fan of as well, that doesn’t surprise me.”

The Board of Deposit, which includes Sprague, Yost and Auditor Keith Faber, will meet in the coming weeks to review the proposal.

Follow WEWS statehouse reporter Morgan Trau on Twitter and Facebook.

Crypto

Washington State Targets Kalshi in Illegal Online Betting Lawsuit

Published

9 hours ago

March 30, 2026

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Washington State Targets Kalshi in Illegal Online Betting Lawsuit

Is Kalshi Legal in Washington State? AG Says No, Files Suit

The complaint, filed in King County Superior Court, targets Kalshi‘s binary event contracts, wagers priced between one cent and 99 cents that pay out $1 to winners and nothing to losers. Washington argues those contracts meet the state’s statutory definition of gambling under RCW 9.46.0237: “ staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event not under the person’s control.”

Brown’s office is seeking a permanent injunction, full restitution for Washington residents’ losses, disgorgement of Kalshi’s profits, and civil penalties for each violation. Investigators also want a full accounting of every Washington user’s transactions.

The AG’s office did not limit its targets to sports betting. The complaint accuses Kalshi of offering markets on elections, Supreme Court cases, entertainment outcomes, public health data, and international conflicts. “For Kalshi, every event, every tragedy is nothing more than a potential way for Americans to risk their fortunes,” Brown said in a statement accompanying the filing.

Kalshi, founded in 2018 and publicly launched around 2021, operates as a CFTC-designated contract market for event contracts — a category of commodity derivatives. The company expanded aggressively into sports betting in 2025 and has marketed its platform as “legal betting in all 50 states.”

The company moved the case to federal court immediately after the filing, citing exclusive federal jurisdiction. A Kalshi spokesperson said Brown’s office had a scheduled meeting with Kalshi before filing suit and that going forward with the complaint was premature. Kalshi also disputed specific market claims in the complaint, saying it does not offer war markets as alleged.

Washington has among the strictest gambling statutes in the country. Its 1889 state constitution prohibited gambling on state lands. The 1973 Gambling Act tightly limited most forms of wagering, and the 2006 legislation explicitly banned online gambling. State officials insist Kalshi operates outside all three frameworks.

Washington is not acting alone. At least 11 states have issued cease-and-desist orders against prediction market platforms. Arizona filed criminal charges against Kalshi in March 2026. Nevada obtained a temporary restraining order barring Kalshi from offering sports, politics, and entertainment markets, and a separate 60-day preliminary injunction covering Coinbase’s Kalshi-powered products. An Ohio federal judge ruled Kalshi must follow state gambling laws for sports betting.

Kalshi has also notched federal wins. Courts in New Jersey and Tennessee ruled in its favor. A case in Michigan involves rival platform Polymarket, which filed preemptively. Utah, where Kalshi sued to block a proposed ban, remains active.

The legal conflict centers on a direct clash between state police powers and federal commodities law. The CFTC has issued guidance on manipulation and is weighing additional rules. Trump administration CFTC Chair Brian Selig and prior agency amicus briefs have sided with federal preemption.

Legal experts tracking the cases say the disagreement could reach the U.S. Supreme Court. States argue prediction market platforms are sportsbooks operating without state licenses, targeting young adults through leaderboards, push notifications, and influencer promotions. Kalshi disputes that framing, saying its exchange is structurally different from state-regulated sportsbooks and casinos.

Washington residents using Kalshi may lose access to the platform while litigation proceeds. The state’s restitution claim draws on the Recovery of Money Lost at Gambling Act, which allows consumers to reclaim gambling losses.

The case is in its earliest stages. The federal transfer ruling will determine which court hears the matter first.

FAQ 🔎

What is Kalshi being sued for in Washington? Washington AG Nick Brown alleges Kalshi operates an illegal online gambling service in violation of the state’s Gambling Act and Consumer Protection Act.
Is Kalshi legal in Washington State? Washington says no — the state is seeking a permanent injunction to block Kalshi from operating within its borders.
How does Kalshi respond to the Washington lawsuit? Kalshi moved the case to federal court, arguing it operates under exclusive CFTC jurisdiction that preempts state gambling laws.
What states have taken action against Kalshi? Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Ohio, and at least 11 other states have filed lawsuits, criminal charges, or cease-and-desist orders against Kalshi or rival prediction markets.

Crypto

Bill aims to protect victims in NH from crypto ATM scams

Published

22 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Press Room

Bill aims to protect victims in NH from crypto ATM scams

Victims scammed at cryptocurrency ATMs in New Hampshire could be reimbursed if they report the fraud within 14 days under a bill that cleared the Senate Thursday. The bipartisan legislation aims to stem an increase in cryptocurrency scams that cost Granite Staters $22 million in 2024.

A crypto scam plays out like most financial fraud, except the scammer persuades the victim to deposit cash into a cryptocurrency ATM. Once the ATM converts the money into cryptocurrency, it becomes very difficult to trace and reclaim.

Hampton’s police chief told lawmakers just over $2.6 million was lost to scammers in his town in 2024. The average age of the victims was 66.

Sen. Virginia Birdsell, a Hampstead Republican, urged colleagues to pass the legislation in the Senate Thursday.

“This is becoming a scourge on our elderly,” she said.

Under the bill, cryptocurrency ATM operators would have to hold a person’s first deposit for 48 hours to give them time to cancel it if they detect a scam. Operators could not accept more than $2,000 a day from a person. And operators would have to refund a scam victim if the victim reports fraud to the operator and authorities within 14 days.

Nearly 25 other states have similar laws, though many allow a victim to be funded within 90 days of a deposit.

Massachusetts is suing a crypto ATM operator, Bitcoin Depot, for allegedly allowing criminals to scam victims with its machines. Maine reached a $1.9 million settlement with the same operator this year and is giving victims until Wednesday to file a claim.

The New Hampshire bill heads next to the House.

Crypto

Crypto ATM Count Falls to 38,928 as 597 Machines Exit the Market in Q1 2026

Published

1 day ago

March 29, 2026

Press Room

Crypto ATM Count Falls to 38,928 as 597 Machines Exit the Market in Q1 2026

Crypto ATM Data 2026: 597 Net Removals

Recent figures show the global count of crypto ATMs edged close to the 40,000 mark this month, yet data recorded on March 29, 2026, reveals a net reduction of 769 machines. The year opened with a drop of 139 crypto ATMs, followed by the addition of 231 new installations in February.

An additional 80 units were installed at the beginning of March, according to Coin ATM Radar’s net growth logs, though the removal of 769 machines ultimately pushed the year’s total to a net loss of 597. As of this weekend, the global tally of crypto ATMs sits at 38,928 machines. Geographic data from Coin ATM Radar shows the U.S. holds 30,247 of those units, representing 77.7% of the total.

Image source: coinatmradar.com

Canada follows with 3,839 crypto ATMs, accounting for 9.9% of the worldwide figure. Europe maintains 1,727 machines, or roughly 4.4% of the overall count of 38,928. Taken together, the U.S., Europe, and Canada host 35,813 machines, comprising 92% of the global share. The remaining 8% is distributed across Asia, Oceania, and other regions.

The crypto ATM tracking site further indicates that the top ten global operators collectively oversee 30,450 machines, representing 78.2% of the total. The industry’s leading provider is Bitcoin Depot, which runs a commanding 9,246 machines (23.8% market share). It is followed by Coinflip with 5,493 machines (14.1%) and Athena Bitcoin with 4,045 machines (10.4%).

Rockitcoin holds a solid footprint with 2,757 machines (7.1%), while Bitstop and Margo operate 2,372 (6.1%) and 2,138 (5.5%) machines, respectively. Stats further show that bitcoin ( BTC) remains the most widely supported asset, available across nearly all machines tracked worldwide by Coin ATM Radar.

Following bitcoin, altcoins as a collective category are supported by 38,910 machines, suggesting that nearly every ATM offering bitcoin also includes at least one alternative asset. Among individual altcoins, ethereum ( ETH) leads with support at 22,200 locations, closely followed by litecoin ( LTC) at 21,292 and tether ( USDT) at 19,894.

Roughly 91.6% of crypto ATMs are configured to facilitate cryptocurrency purchases, while the remaining machines support both buying and selling of digital assets. Logs from Coin ATM Radar offer a revealing snapshot of recent crypto ATM reductions in 2026, showing that the 40,000 threshold remains just out of reach for the industry at present.

Whether the crypto ATM count clears 40,000 this year depends largely on whether operators expand or continue pulling machines. The numbers show a market sorting itself out; large providers like Bitcoin Depot, Coinflip, and Athena hold the majority of installations, while smaller operators account for the gap. With North America controlling over three-quarters of the global count, the industry’s direction remains tied closely to conditions in a single market.

FAQ 🔎

How many crypto ATMs are there in the world in 2026? As of March 29, 2026, Coin ATM Radar tracks 38,928 active crypto ATMs globally.
Which country has the most Bitcoin ATMs? The United States leads with 30,247 machines, representing 77.7% of the worldwide total.
Who is the largest crypto ATM operator in 2026? Bitcoin Depot operates 9,246 machines, giving it a 23.8% share of the global market.
What cryptocurrencies do crypto ATMs support? Bitcoin is available at nearly all machines, with ethereum supported at 22,200 locations and litecoin at 21,292.