Poker as a skilled gambling game that involves wagering skill

[TruePoker CEO]

The social utility of stock markets and of commodities trading or day trading rests in the argument that those markets perform two main functions:

1. markets for direct investments in productive enterprises allocates capital most efficiently, and

2. markets for investments in stock or commodities derviatives allow producers and investors to lay off risk, i.e. distribute risk appropriately through the investiment community.

It is not possible to create an analogous "social purpose" for playing poker similar to investment or trading. Rather, poker advocates could at most, argue that poker helps educate thinkers for engaging in these activities, see e.g. theat Harvard Law society theme.

Rather than bark up the "business analogy" tree, we should focus on the entertainment value AND the skill factor.

Arguing poker, properly understood, is a game of skill is absolutely necessary politically. (Whether you think poker has no basis for distinguishing itself from other games or gambling is politically irrelevant, let the blackjack players and sports bettors carry their own water.)