Gambling has become increasingly prevalent in the United States, evident through the proliferation of new casinos in locations beyond Las Vegas and the acceptance of sports betting by professional leagues. Despite being open to the general public with few age restrictions, gambling lacks clear societal benefits. In contrast, access to startup investing, venture capital funds, and art investment is limited to 'accredited investors,' revealing a stark contrast in investment opportunities.

Defined by financial criteria rather than knowledge or experience, accredited investor laws favor wealth as a measure of sophistication. The government sets a high bar, requiring annual incomes exceeding $200,000 or a net worth exceeding $1 million, excluding many individuals from potentially profitable ventures irrespective of their competence.

These restrictions highlight the unequal investment landscape, where individuals with significant financial resources can engage in lucrative opportunities, while others with relevant expertise are excluded. Furthermore, the regulatory framework exhibits elitism, as demonstrated by financial crises involving affluent individuals and the government's contradictory stance on risky investments.

The article underscores the role of investment regulations in perpetuating wealth inequality, attributing the widening wealth gap to the outperformance of asset prices over wages. Despite the success of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum in providing profitable investment channels, regulatory obstacles impede public access, favoring accredited investors and hindering financial democratization.

The evolving crypto sector serves as a reflection of societal inequities and regulatory complexities, prompting a reevaluation of existing legal structures. By predominantly seeking capital from accredited and angel investors, cryptocurrency projects reinforce exclusionary practices, limiting public engagement and perpetuating economic disparities despite regulatory claims of protection.