Why do you think he does does?

I went on dates with this guy, but he obviously lost interest (i think he's a player). but I guess we're friends now since every few weeks, I'll get a text from him asking if i want to go to a sports game/vip club/skiing etc with his friends. He pays for everything, but he barely notices me the whole time, so i just end up talking to his friends. He is NOT shy and he's in his 30's. I keep going because i always have fun, but why in the world would he invite me, pay for me and then not talk to me?