2) is on the spot. As soon as you introduce an abstract that is one step removed from money, people are more willing to gamble with that abstract. This is true

2) is on the spot. As soon as you introduce an abstract that is one step removed from money, people are more willing to gamble with that abstract. This is true for everything from credits to casino chips and from stock/shares to options and derivatives. Also, the word "willing", in this context, is actually an intended pun, since this happens on a subconscious level. There is a lot of literature on the topic; some pieces even establish a tie between that notion and the most recent banking crises and scandals. For example, stock options are not just one step removed from currency, but at least two or more. Interesting stuff indeed.