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

[JoeDimaggio]

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I think playing poker and doing nothing but use the money on yourself contributes nothing (although it puts money back in the economy when you spend it)

However, I think when you get to a level where you make enough money to invest a decent amount of it or donate it you are contributing as much as anybody else. I think as long as a very low percentage of the population tries to play professional poker it is not that harmful to society overall.

If you go to a casino every day, win or lose money, buy nothing but a few things for yourself here and there aside from essentials, you would be contributing nothing.

But if that's contributing nothing to society, what's the difference when you talk about actors or musicians? Isn't that close to the same as a poker player who for instance makes a lot of TV final tables?

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If you are on TV you're an entertainer like an actor. What if you just sit at home all day playing on the interwebnets?

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Right... that was my point I don't understand why if people consider TV poker players (professionals) unproductive to society, they don't make the same arguement with professional actors. It is basically the same thing.