Being told \"professional poker doesn\'t contribute to society.\"
 

Even people who do not object to gambling because of moral or spiritual beliefs often come up with this one. Anyone have a good answer? Shouldn't you quit poker now and run off to become a doctor so that you can "contribute to society?"

Greenstein has obviously decided he doesn't contribute and has decided to give to charity, but I think pro poker contributes by itself -- it's just a little difficult to explain.

Give it a shot.

Re: Does professional poker contribute to society?
 

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Re: Does professional poker contribute to society?
 

Well I guess you are some kind of entertainer for amateur players who want to play some cards. You offer them the action they want.
They pay you with the money they lose

Re: Does professional poker contribute to society?
 

I see it as just another way of making a living.

How does a bank clerk contribute to society? He doesn't, he just works, gets his money and puts food on his family's table. Same with poker pros.

Re: Does professional poker contribute to society?
 

Entertainment for jimm.

Re: Does professional poker contribute to society?
 

[ QUOTE ]
I see it as just another way of making a living.

How does a bank clerk contribute to society? He doesn't, he just works, gets his money and puts food on his family's table. Same with poker pros.

[/ QUOTE ]

Nah, he helps you deposit checks and withdraw money, get a loan, etc. Without him, we'd have trouble using the bank, and we need banks.

Re: Does professional poker contribute to society?
 

How does Wall Street contribute to society?

How does the President of the United States contribute to society?

Re: Does professional poker contribute to society?
 

[ QUOTE ]
How does Wall Street contribute to society?

How does the President of the United States contribute to society?

[/ QUOTE ]

1. Wall Street helps us buy and sell companies.
2. The president helps us bomb the brown people. Duh

Re: Does professional poker contribute to society?
 

[ QUOTE ]
Well I guess you are some kind of entertainer for amateur players who want to play some cards. You offer them the action they want.
They pay you with the money they lose

[/ QUOTE ]

They could play without professionals and have just as much fun, maybe more, without live pro nits at the table.

Re: Being told \"professional poker doesn\'t contribute to society.\"
 

Professionals entertain recreational players so i consider them entertainers like actors ball players etc.