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

[davmcg]

It is just a game - do any games "contribute to society"? Whether an individual should "contribute to society" is a different question.

[stinkypete]

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You can argue redistributing the wealth does.


Fish can either:

1) Lose money to other fish
2) Lose money to pros that withdraw
3) Lose money to rake

There is only 1 option where they can lose money where the money goes back to the government.

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the rake is taxed too, but why do you equate giving money to the government with contributing to society?

[Lyric]

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Good point.

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not really. redistributing wealth from individuals to the government doesn't qualify as contributing imo.

the point that plenty of other occupations don't contribute is valid, but that doesn't make being a poker player any "better" imo.

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It is contributing to society... just in a less efficient manner.

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explain?

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The government builds roads, free healthcare for the poor, etc. It's not effecient but some of my tax dollars actually do go towards helping other people. The rest go to bombing people in other societies, but that's okay because the bombs help them live better lives, in freedom!

[aislephive]

Poker Pro's contriube to society by spending money and paying taxes. Because of that I believe being a poker pro contributes more than most other jobs.

[isapistola]

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Without him, we'd have trouble using the bank, and we need banks.

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no we dont.

[Hock_]

I have no obligation to contribute to society.

[Gobias Ind.]

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It is true, Pro Poker does not contribute to the society.

Only a poker player makes himself believe that it does. Barry Greenstein is a good example. It is like Pablo Escobar donating millions to charity, to offset the damages.

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Or Frank Lucas donating turkeys at Thanksgiving in Harlem; queue the music!

[silkyjonson]

It does'nt but neither do a lot of other jobs that are more traditionally accepted. What level you choose to contribute to society is up to you and you can still contribute even if your job does not, look at BG for example.

[JoeDimaggio]

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?

[brianpower]

Have some kids and raise them well, there ya go, job done.