The executive Game... I don't get it...

One of the most fascinating things about the Sopranos to me is the glimpse into the criminal dealings of the Mob. This is in large part due to the fact that they have basis in real life mafia activities, as far as I'm aware, (the HUD scam, truck hijacking, union stuff etc etc.) But the Executive Game... I imagine it must have SOME basis in fact but I can't see the appeal. Why would a bunch of high rollers want to spend all night in a crummy motel playing poker? Maybe this would have been a thing back in the day (waaaay back in the day,) when the controls on gambling were a lot tighter, but I can't imagine anyone doing this now. I mean there might be some out there that would get a kick out of going toe to toe with David Lee Roth or Sinatra Jr. but I don't think those two would be tripping over themselves to play (possibly crooked) cards with a sporting goods store owner, a writer for Nash Bridges or fat Vito... Actually now that I think about it I'm not even sure what the angle is on the Executive Game... does Tony just take a flat entry fee, a percent of the winnings... what? Full disclosue: I don't know a thing about poker...