Crypto automated teller machines (ATMs) have experienced a decline this year, marking the first downturn since October 2013, with the total count dipping from 39,350 to the present 33,620. Approximately 5,730 cryptocurrency ATMs have been decommissioned, constituting a 14.56% decrease from the peak in December 2022.

Over 5,700 Crypto ATMs Vanish in Historic 2023 Downturn

This year marks an unprecedented shift in the landscape of crypto-centric ATMs, witnessing their first annual reduction since their inception. Data from coinatmradar.com shows that in December 2022, there existed 39,350 machines distributing crypto assets such as bitcoin (BTC) and ethereum (ETH). From that peak, the landscape has changed, with more than 14% of the original 39,000 units, totaling 5,730 machines, being subtracted, culminating in the current tally of roughly 33,620 crypto ATMs.

The year 2023 witnessed the removal of machines continuously over the first four months with no uptick. January saw the elimination of approximately 1,523 devices, February followed with 210 machines being discontinued, and a significant 3,555 ATMs were decommissioned in March. April continued the trend with an additional 340 machines taken out. However, May marked a turn with 1,711 machines being installed, followed by 857 more coming online in June.

July emerged as the most severe month of the year for withdrawals, with an estimated 4,218 machines being decommissioned, leading to the most substantial monthly decline ever recorded. Subsequent months experienced net additions, yet none sufficed to offset the earlier losses. Global figures reveal Bitcoin Depot as the leading crypto ATM operator, boasting 6,311 machines, followed by Coinflip with 3,880 devices.

As of Dec. 30, 2023, Bitstop operates 2,854 machines, Rockitcoin oversees 2,227 units, and rounding off the top five, Athena Bitcoin operates 1,891 crypto ATMs. Approximately 82.2% of the total crypto ATMs are situated in the U.S., with Canada hosting 8.4% of the machines. Europe accounts for 4.6% of the global count of crypto ATMs, and Australia is home to 2.3% of these devices. As the year draws to a close, the precise reasons behind the notable decline in crypto ATMs remain unclear.

While the dramatic downturn in numbers might suggest a dwindling interest in these machines, it’s equally plausible that the tumultuous ‘crypto winter’ of 2022 adversely impacted the businesses operating them. As both crypto ATM operators and consumers adapt to this evolving environment, the destiny of crypto ATMs themselves, akin to the market itself, continues to be an area of watchful anticipation.

What do you think about the loss in crypto ATMs in 2023? Share your thoughts and opinions about this subject in the comments section below.