Poker and Socialism

[beta1607]

Winning poker players have their edge in other's weakness. Obviously this would not matter for a pure capitalist society since you are ultimatly only economically responsible for yourself. However, would it be against the theory of a socialist or communist society (I realize they are not the same thing) to play competative poker? Would you have to redistribute your winnings after?

[BluffTHIS!]

With the amount of our taxes that go to social "entitlement" programs it's clear we already live in a semi-socialist society and those winnings are being redistributed. So it's a moot question. And if you are european, then drop the "semi".

[beta1607]

I was hoping I made it clear that I was asking in terms of theory not reality which is why it was posted in the forum dealing with philosphy not politics.

[Darryl_P]

I think poker would be contradictory to socialist theories if poker is regarded as a metaphor for life. If OTOH it's just a hobby or a form of entertainment, ie. just an aside from life, then it could still be consistent with a socialist world view imo.