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

[Mark1808]

Anyone who provides a product or service that others are willing to pay for is "contributing" to society. The poker pro is no differant. Their willingness to spend hours at tables that create games and action make it possible for the recreational player to come in and entertain himself. Who knows, maybe the cancer researcher is able to do better research after a few hours relaxing and playing poker and wouldn't have a game if not for the legions of pros that insure readily available games.

People mistakenly project their own values on others. If someone is willing to pay for something it has value to that person irrespective of what a 3rd party thinks.