Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has expressed concerns about what he sees as a “moral shift” in the crypto industry, particularly regarding criticism of Ethereum’s approach to blockchain gambling.
During a Feb. 20 Ask Me Anything (AMA) session, Buterin was asked about his frustrations with the industry over the past year. He shared his disappointment over Ethereum facing backlash for not fully embracing blockchain-based casinos:
“One of the most disheartening things for me recently was hearing someone claim that Ethereum is flawed and intolerant because we don’t show enough support for blockchain casinos, while other chains accept any application and are therefore considered superior.”
Buterin warned that if the blockchain community continued down this path of shifting moral values, he might lose interest in the space. However, he acknowledged that his interactions with community members in person have given him a more nuanced perspective.

Buterin’s critique has sparked a debate within the crypto community, with some agreeing with his concerns and others defending the role of speculative trading in driving innovation. However, his words serve as a reminder of the importance of responsible development and the potential risks associated with the increasing focus on gambling within the crypto space.