What purpose did they serve gladiator in Rome?

Imagine what people would be doing today if there was no TV, radio, Ipod sports or such to entertain them. It wouldn't be pretty. The Gladiator games were entertainment for the masses. It brought in big commerce ( much like the superbowl )with huge revenues. A smart politician could have helped his popularity by supporting them & thus distract people from paying attention to his policies.

I totally agree that the Gladiatorial games were merely propaganda to divert the public's attention. the same way the president and government of my country brilliantly come up with so-called crises to divert the public's attention from their fiascos.