In many articles, the future of BitCoin is depicted in a Star Trek-like utopian vision. This piece is different. Instead, we’re examining several taboo and seedy industries which make up some of Crypto Currency’s most unlikely allies.

These “strange bedfellows” are grimy, dirty, and (sometimes) uncomfortable.

But, they’re all billion-dollar businesses which strongly benefit from BitCoin’s existence.

Without further ado, here’s each of the five taboo industry and how they affect Crypto.

1. Gambling

Gambling is big business. From games of chance like dice and roulette, to skillful challenges like poker.

In the USA, Americans lost over $100 billion (with a “B”) in 2016.

And that’s just through legal establishments like Las Vegas casinos.

Online and offshore gaming is even bigger.

Also, it’s more expensive.

Why?

Because U.S. banks charge additional transaction fees when dealing with these kinds of sites.

At some sports books, there’s a 10% surcharge just for depositing.

That’s crazy!

Especially since these same Internet casinos let you deposit with BitCoin, and there’s no transaction fee whatsoever.

Crypto lets players bypass stingy banking regulations in order to enjoy their favorite games.

And considering how huge the gambling industry is (over $100 billion per year in the USA alone), Crypto really stands to revolutionize how this industry handles payments.

A decentralized currency which makes it easy to move money in and out of casinos is massive.

And, as more and more people learn about Crypto, it’s casino popularity will only increase.

2. Marijuana Dispensaries

While marijuana is becoming legal on a state level, selling it remains a federal crime.

This leads to a host of issues involving the payment and storage of “drug money.”

Here’s a whole article from The Economist on how dispensaries can’t use banks.

It’s a crazy situation, and one that leaves many dispensary owners in a dangerous situation. Open to robberies, theft, and federal seizure.

One solution?

Crypto Currency.

Using BitCoin or similar options, dispensaries can safely store their money.

Keeping their funds secure, while also protecting owners and employees from the threat of armed robbery.

As marijuana sales continue their upward trend, expect more and more dispensaries to hop onto the Crypto bandwagon. It’s their best banking option.

3. Porn

Several years ago, something disturbing happened.

A number of adult film stars, porn directors, and industry executives had their personal bank accounts frozen.

Not for doing anything illegal either.

Chase Bank cited them for a “morality clause,” and freezing their assets.

Once again, these were personal checking and savings accounts. All held by private citizens, not porn studios.

These people were put through needless financial stress and legal hardship.

For what?

The heinous crime of having consensual sex with other adults?

What B.S.

Since banks can freeze your holdings or close your accounts based on immoral behavior, I’d recommend not using a debit or credit card for any “adult activities.”

This means buying or selling pornographic content (fun fact: PayPal suspends users for selling “erotic” cartoons). Instead, play it safe by only using Crypto Currency.

This isn’t a new idea either.

The folks over at PornHub are now accepting Verge Coin for payment.

Why?

Because it’s safer for them and their audience.

As a good rule of thumb, many lasting innovations (including the Internet and Blu-Ray) are solidified once porn producers start backing them.

Another good clue that Crypto is here to stay.

4. Escorts

The world’s oldest profession.

Another “gray area business” (but this whole article is about taboo industries) which benefits from Crypto.

Escorts and strippers (like pornstars) have a whole host of legal and financial issues to deal with.

Likewise, many customers (even in places where prostitution is legal) worry about ordering an escort and having the charges show up on their bank statement.

Since many escort agencies and websites require a deposit, this is a big issue.

No one wants a charge like that getting their bank account frozen. That’s where Crypto comes in.

The decentralized nature means you aren’t getting your account shuttered. Also, the semi-anonymous payment method leaves reduces much of the customer’s anxiety.

Plus, it protects sex workers from having their funds seized.

A win-win for both parties.

5. Political Corruption

So far, everything on this list is some sort of vice.

But this last point is actually helpful to millions of people around the world.

And that’s avoiding political corruption. Namely in the form is shady, unregulated banks.

Let me explain.

If you’re from the USA or Europe, banking is pretty safe (for the average Joe at least).

Most Americans will happy open a savings account, and there are numerous government bodies which police the financial industry.

In other countries?

Not so much.

Here’s a fascinating article on Bitcoin’s precursor: prepaid cell phone minutes.

In much of the world, transferring money wirelessly is a huge risk. Bankers can seize it, or local politicians might confiscate funds.

Likewise, local things hang out around Western Union offices, ready to shakedown customers.

Crypto Currency side steps all these issues.

Instead of living in fear and being at the mercy of a corrupt government, citizens can secure their funds or transfer money safely.

Something that’s revolutionary in many dangerous third-world nations.

Thanks to Crypto Coins, people have an outlet for building wealth and protecting their nest egg.

Closing Thoughts

Some of these businesses probably sound shady. And I’m sure there are several you wouldn’t want to associate with.

And that’s fine.

The point of this article isn’t to demonize Crypto or imply that it’s connected to illegal things.

Instead, I want to point out that many of the industries we don’t like to mention in polite company are actually spurring Crypto’s popularity in secret.

Industries like porn have always incentivized new technologies.

“Hot naked babes” sold the public on installing Internet connections, not a pundit’s speech on the technologic implications of email.

For decades Las Vegas was an empty stretch of ground.

Then the lure of fast cash and high stakes gambling transformed the city into a major international destination.

While many smart investors and early adopters (like you) read up on practical benefits and potential applications, the general public “buys on emotion.” The idea of bigger, better, or easier is what gets them into new technologies.

This is true of everything from cars and lightbulbs to smartphones and BitCoin.

When consumer industries start adapting Crypto (like they’re doing now) it opens the public’s eyes and gets them involved.

As such, I think BitCoin is far from dead.

If anything, Crypto is only beginning it’s true ascent.

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