In recent years, cryptocurrency has become one of the biggest innovations in the world of digital finance. Meanwhile, online gambling is also growing rapidly, but is often associated with negative impacts such as addiction, financial loss, and legal problems. Compared to online gambling, crypto offers greater economic potential and is legal, as well as providing real benefits to society and the country.
Crypto, The Future of Digital Economy
Cryptocurrency is a digital asset that uses blockchain technology for secure and transparent transactions. Unlike online gambling, which often only benefits a few people, crypto has a broader and more positive economic impact.
Economic Growth and Investment
The crypto industry has grown rapidly and become an important part of the digital economy. In Indonesia, for example, crypto transactions reached Rp109.3 trillion in the first quarter of 2025. This figure shows that crypto is not just a trend, but also a driving force for the digital economy.
In addition, crypto also opens up investment opportunities for the community. Many people use crypto as a long-term investment asset, which can provide greater benefits than just gambling online.
Contribution to State Revenue
One of the advantages of crypto over online gambling is its contribution to state revenue. Since the implementation of crypto asset tax in 2022, total tax revenue from this sector has reached IDR 1.2 trillion until March 2025. This shows that crypto not only benefits individuals but also provides benefits to the state through clear taxes and regulations.
In contrast, online gambling often operates under the radar of the law and makes no real contribution to the country's economy. In fact, many online gambling platforms operate illegally and cause financial losses to society.
Online Gambling, Risks and Negative Impacts
While online gambling offers entertainment for some, the industry has many risks and negative impacts that need to be considered.
Financial Loss and Addiction
Online gambling often causes huge financial losses for its players. Many people get caught up in gambling and lose huge amounts of money. Unlike crypto which can be used as an investment, online gambling is more speculative and does not provide long-term benefits.
In addition, online gambling can also cause addiction, which has a negative impact on a person's mental health and social life.
Legal and Regulatory Issues
In many countries, online gambling is still a legal issue because it often operates illegally. In Indonesia, for example, the government has attempted to block online gambling sites because they are considered detrimental to society. In contrast, crypto has been legally recognized and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (OJK), thus providing legal certainty for industry players.
Why is Crypto Better than Online Gambling?
From various aspects, crypto has advantages over online gambling, especially in terms of economic potential, legality, and benefits to society.
Driving Innovation and Employment
The crypto industry is not only about investment, but also creating new jobs in technology, finance, and blockchain. Many startups and large companies are starting to develop crypto-based technology, thus opening up opportunities for workers in various sectors.
Improving Financial Literacy
Crypto also plays a role in increasing financial literacy in society. By understanding how blockchain and digital investment work, people can be wiser in managing their finances. In contrast, online gambling often relies solely on luck and does not provide useful financial education.
More Transparent and Safe
Crypto transactions are conducted through blockchain, which ensures transparency and data security. Unlike online gambling, which often lacks clear regulations, crypto offers a more open and trustworthy system.
Conclusion
Crypto and online gambling are two rapidly growing industries in the digital world. However, when compared, crypto offers greater economic potential and is legal, and provides real benefits to society and the country. With increasingly strong regulations and ever-growing education, crypto has a great opportunity to become the main driver of the digital economy.
On the other hand, online gambling still faces various challenges, including legal issues, addiction, and financial losses. Therefore, people need to be wiser in choosing between crypto and online gambling, and understand the long-term impacts of both industries.
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