ANNAPOLIS, MD—A new report by the trading platform Atmos reveals that Maryland is one of the nation’s most welcoming states for cryptocurrency, ranking fifth on its Crypto-Friendliness Index. The high ranking of 77/100 is driven not by large-scale Bitcoin mining operations—which account for a mere 0.02% of the total U.S. share—but by robust public interest and well-established crypto infrastructure.
Maryland’s placement among the top five most crypto-friendly states—behind Delaware (95), Nevada (93), Florida (89), and Texas (88)—highlights a shift in what defines a crypto-forward region: accessibility and engagement over industrial mining.
Key to Maryland’s Crypto Appeal: Accessibility and Engagement
Maryland demonstrates strong resident engagement with digital assets, with the study noting an average of 13,622 crypto-related Google searches per 100,000 people monthly. This high level of online interest is matched by physical infrastructure. The state boasts 13 Crypto ATMs per 100,000 residents, providing one of the most accessible retail environments for converting fiat currency to digital assets in the country.
“While Maryland doesn’t contribute much when it comes to Bitcoin mining, it still offers solid infrastructure and high online interest,” the Atmos report states.
Regulatory Environment and Future Growth
Maryland scored a 5/10 on the Crypto Regulation Friendliness Score, indicating a balanced, yet evolving, legislative approach. State lawmakers are actively working to integrate virtual currencies into existing money transfer laws and explore applications of blockchain technology in the public sector.
One enacted piece of legislation is Senate Bill 305 (SB0305), which establishes registration and operating requirements for Virtual Currency Kiosk Operators (crypto ATMs), formalizing a regulatory framework for this key piece of infrastructure. Additionally, the Maryland Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act governs how fiduciaries—like executors or trustees—can access a person’s digital assets after their death. These measures reflect the state’s effort to provide regulatory clarity for businesses and consumers.
Conor, a senior expert market analyst from Atmos, commented on the broader national trend: “With cryptocurrency becoming more popular and useful in everyday life, states are competing for crypto businesses and users like never before.” He stressed that the greatest opportunities lie in attracting the next generation of crypto startups by simplifying operations. “The states that figure this out first will likely attract the most investment and innovation in the coming years.”
Maryland’s success in cultivating a high-access, high-interest environment, even without massive mining farms, positions it as a model for other states looking to foster crypto adoption through public engagement and smart regulatory moves.
Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels
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