Tom Goldstein Gets Six Years for Poker Tax Fraud

Former Supreme Court lawyer and high stakes poker player Tom Goldstein received a six year federal prison sentence for tax crimes and mortgage fraud. The court also ordered more than $3.1 million in restitution.

Good to Know

• A jury convicted Goldstein on 12 of 16 charges.
• Judge Lydia Kay Griggsby ordered five years of supervised release.
• Goldstein entered federal custody immediately after sentencing.

Poker Income Leads to Six Year Sentence

Federal prosecutors said Goldstein concealed millions of dollars in poker income, filed false tax returns and gave lenders inaccurate financial information.

Judge Lydia Kay Griggsby sentenced the 56 year old Maryland resident to 72 months in prison. She also revoked his bond, ordered $3,103,427 in restitution and left a forfeiture amount unresolved. Prosecutors had requested a sentence of more than eight years.

“Thomas Goldstein built a distinguished legal career arguing that the rule of law matters,” US Attorney Kelly Hayes said. “Yet, as the evidence at trial showed, he repeatedly chose to violate that very principle for his own financial benefit.”

Goldstein co-founded SCOTUSblog and argued more than 40 cases before the US Supreme Court. He retired from appellate practice in 2023.

The February verdict covered tax evasion, assistance with false tax returns, failure to pay taxes on time and false statements on mortgage applications. Prosecutors said Goldstein hid income and debts while seeking financing for a $2.6 million Washington home. One false application helped him obtain a $1.98 million loan.

Millions Won and Lost at Poker

Evidence at trial described poker games involving eight figure results. Goldstein played against opponents including billionaire banker Andy Beal and actor Tobey Maguire appeared as a witness during the trial.

Prosecutors said Goldstein concealed more than $25 million in income and avoided over $9.5 million in taxes. The jury also heard that poker produced about $50 million in winnings during 2016, although Goldstein said later losses erased much of that money.

Poker viewers also knew Goldstein as “Thomas” from the Hustler Casino Live Million Dollar Cash Game. He wore a face covering during the broadcast and accidentally folded the winning hand in a $543,000 pot.

Goldstein asked the court to avoid prison and linked his conduct to a gambling addiction. Griggsby instead ordered immediate detention after agreeing that he presented a flight risk. Goldstein plans to appeal the convictions.

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