Tom Goldstein, a once-prominent Supreme Court lawyer and founder of SCOTUSblog, is facing serious legal trouble, and now, a new court order has added another restriction to his life—no more poker. Goldstein, accused of tax evasion tied to millions in poker winnings, pleaded not guilty on Monday and agreed to stay away from the poker tables while awaiting trial.
A High-Stakes Legal Battle
Goldstein has been indicted on 22 counts, including tax evasion, filing false tax returns, and failing to pay taxes. Federal prosecutors claim he concealed millions in poker winnings, including from high-stakes private games involving billionaires. If convicted, he could face years behind bars.
The former Supreme Court litigator, who once argued a case for Al Gore in the historic 2000 presidential election dispute, has now switched roles—from courtroom advocate to defendant. Represented by attorneys John Lauro and Christopher Kise, both known for defending former President Donald Trump, Goldstein intends to fight the charges.
His legal team is adamant. “Mr. Goldstein will vigorously defend against these charges, and we look forward to his exoneration,” they told Reuters.
Court-Ordered Restrictions
Goldstein is currently out on release, but his freedom comes with strict conditions. According to court filings from the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, he must:
- Remain in the Washington D.C. metro area unless granted court permission.
- Surrender his passport.
- Avoid alcohol intoxication.
- Refrain from possessing firearms.
- Steer clear of any form of gambling, including poker.
The last condition is particularly notable given Goldstein’s reputation as a high-stakes player. The indictment claims he participated in ultra-exclusive poker games, reportedly winning up to $50 million from undisclosed billionaire opponents.
The Mystery of the Folded Hand
Goldstein’s name first drew widespread attention in poker circles last May when he made headlines for folding a winning hand in a $540,000 pot on Hustler Casino Live. His decision left players and fans stunned, fueling speculation about his financial dealings.
Now, prosecutors allege he used legal fees from his firm, Goldstein & Russell, P.C., to pay off personal poker debts. The indictment accuses him of misclassifying these payments as firm expenses and using company funds to cover salaries and benefits for individuals with little or no work ties to the firm.
Poker Community Reacts
The case has sparked widespread discussion, not just in legal circles but also within the poker world. Professional poker player Doug Polk weighed in with a YouTube breakdown of the allegations, dissecting the financial web surrounding Goldstein’s reported gambling activities.
The controversy has even reached social media celebrity Dan Bilzerian, who was reportedly close with Goldstein. A previous prop bet between them—worth $385,000—has only added fuel to the ongoing speculation about the lawyer’s poker-related dealings.
A Fall from Legal Prominence
Once one of the most respected legal minds in the country, Goldstein built a reputation as an authority on Supreme Court cases. He argued numerous cases before the highest court in the U.S., gaining national recognition for his legal expertise.
But his abrupt departure from his Supreme Court practice in 2023 raised eyebrows. Now, prosecutors claim he spent years orchestrating financial misdeeds to avoid paying taxes, all while raking in massive poker winnings.
For someone who made a career out of interpreting the law, this legal battle is shaping up to be his toughest case yet.