Vitalik Disappointed Over Criticisms of Ethereum Not Supporting Blockchain Casinos

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin expressed concern over what he termed a "moral reversal" in the crypto industry, particularly regarding criticism of Ethereum's stance on blockchain gambling.

During an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on 20 February, Buterin shared his frustrations with the growing backlash against Ethereum for not supporting blockchain casinos:

“Perhaps the most disappointing thing for me recently was when someone said that Ethereum is bad and intolerant because we don’t respect the ‘casinos’ on the blockchain enough, and other chains are happy to accept any application, so they are better.”

He emphasized his disappointment over the industry's expectation for Ethereum to embrace this sector, especially as competitors like Solana have fostered a more open environment for meme coin activity.

Buterin's remarks come amidst ongoing tensions within the Ethereum community, with some members warning that the network's competitive edge is at risk as Solana attracts more developers and talent.

Vitalik Will Stay Out of Blockchain if Community Shifts Morally

Buterin made it clear that he would step away from the blockchain space if its community embraced a "moral reversal" that conflicted with his core values.

While expressing disappointment with some of the online discourse in the crypto community, Buterin noted that his personal interactions with crypto enthusiasts left him optimistic.

He observed that, in face-to-face encounters, the community’s fundamental principles remain strong.

Buterin emphasized his deep commitment to serving Ethereum and its supporters, making it clear that he cannot simply walk away from the space.

He encouraged Ethereum advocates to actively shape the future they envision and suggested that the Ethereum Foundation take a more hands-on role in guiding the ecosystem, specifically by supporting projects that align with Ethereum’s mission.

He added:

“But I found an interesting point: on the internet, many people will say those things, but when I chat with the community in person, everyone’s values are the same as before, so I feel like I have a responsibility to this community and can’t abandon them.”

Community Values Stay Constant in Offline Spaces

Despite criticism of Ethereum’s position on online casinos, Buterin expressed reassurance from his in-person interactions with the crypto community, noting that its core values remain intact.

He emphasized his sense of responsibility to the community, asserting that abandoning it is not an option.

Buterin urged Ethereum supporters to collaborate in shaping the "world we want to see," acknowledging that achieving this vision will require change.

He suggested that the Ethereum Foundation may need to take a more proactive role at the application layer, potentially endorsing specific projects rather than adhering to strict neutrality.