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Payson bans virtual currency machines, gives businesses 60 days to remove them
Summary
Council adopted Ordinance 04‑15‑2026‑G banning virtual currency machines in city limits after the police chief cited local losses and links to scams; businesses will have 60 days to remove existing machines.
Payson City Council voted April 15 to enact an ordinance prohibiting virtual currency (crypto) machines within city limits and establishing enforcement and penalties. Police Chief Brad Bishop told the council cities including Layton, South Jordan and Orem have pursued similar bans and described virtual currency machines as a vehicle for scams that disproportionately affect older residents.
Chief Bishop said "crypto machines are used 98% for scams involving elderly citizens" and added that more than $100,000 had been lost to crypto machine scams in Payson. The ordinance sets a 60‑day removal period for businesses and identifies six machines currently in the city. Councilmember Anne Moss moved adoption of Ordinance 04‑15‑2026‑G; the motion was seconded by Councilmember Lacee Smith and passed by roll call (four yes, one absent).
City staff and councilmembers characterized the ordinance as a consumer protection measure; businesses were directed to remove machines or face enforcement actions after the 60‑day compliance period.
