I suppose it depends on what platform, stocks are real and for as long as the company operates you have a share, if they are listed with other gambling type units OK
Bitcoin has value because it is rare compared to say fiat currency for example
If you have one billion dollars in BitCoin you have zero guarantee that it will be there tomorrow
Even though many fiat currencies are shaky they are still guaranteed by their governments so have a solid base, bitcoin is something that does not exist, no guarantee from anyone
As to instant payments out side of banks, there are numerous transfer operations which act similar to banks with very low rates and almost instant transfers or payments
Just my view of BitCoin, has been some fantastic trading opportunities but that is all there is.
