[illab]

What does anyone in the entertainment industry contribute to society, usually not much unless their piece of work makes us more socially consicious about an important issue (few and far between). Poker players are similar to entertainers in that some people enjoy putting thousands of dollars in poker tournaments even though they know that chances are overwhelming that they dont see the money again. Mostly they enjoy the thrill that comes with playing poker, like others enjoy video games or movies. So in that respect, poker players are just as much a drain on society as movie actors and directors, authors, video games designers, or some Vegas stage act, none of them are providing anything to society except entertainment. Plus poker players pay taxes just like everyone else.