An underlying stock market is useful because it allows companies to raise capital to take risk. But many of those trading tools are just vehicles for speculative trading.

When I buy options contracts as a trader, I'm speculating the price will go up or down. I'm not adding anything productive to the economy. For me to win, another trader must lose.

You're sending price signals. The market needs active traders not just investors to function properly.

Sure, capitalists will always say "I'm providing liquidity", and I'm fine with that, there is some value in that.

But I'm still gambling on an outcome in a zero sum game. What is the purpose of anti-gambling laws? To protect the common man? But the state is okay with you losing everything on stocks? The point is its an unjust hypocrisy.

How is a Wall Street firm taking fees any different from a casino taking a rake?