Tom Goldstein, one of the nation’s most renowned private attorneys and a familiar face at the US Supreme Court, has been accused of tax evasion and fraud following a high-stakes poker spree that saw him win—and lose—staggering sums. The 22-count indictment, issued by the US Attorney’s Office District of Maryland, paints a picture of a legal titan whose private exploits rivaled his courtroom victories.
High-Stakes Poker: Winning Big and Losing Bigger
Goldstein’s poker journey began in 2014, venturing into ultra-exclusive heads-up games. These weren’t your typical weekend card tables—these matches featured millions, even tens of millions, on the line. According to prosecutors, Goldstein secured his seat at these tables by selling shares of his poker action to other high-stakes players and borrowing millions to bankroll his play.
The stakes paid off handsomely, at least for a while. Goldstein reportedly won $50 million across matches played from Beverly Hills to Asia. Among his exploits, he flew back to Washington, D.C., with a duffel bag carrying $968,000 in cash. He even acted as a mediator in poker disputes, helping a Hollywood actor recover $7.8 million in unpaid winnings from a Texas billionaire.
But the fortune didn’t last. Goldstein’s losses eventually reached over $14 million, a sum he allegedly offset with funds from his law firm, Goldstein & Russell, P.C.
Tax Evasion and Fraud Accusations
Federal prosecutors allege that between 2016 and 2022, Goldstein failed to report substantial income to the IRS, concealing millions in poker earnings and losses. Instead of using personal funds, he reportedly diverted money from his law practice to cover gambling debts.
The indictment also accuses him of providing false information to mortgage lenders to secure financing for a multi-million-dollar property. Allegedly, Goldstein claimed inflated income figures that misrepresented his financial standing.
Adding to the scandal, Goldstein is accused of paying salaries to women he had personal relationships with, though prosecutors claim these individuals performed little to no actual work for his firm.
A Storied Legal Career Tarnished
Goldstein’s legal career is marked by landmark cases and high-profile clients. He famously represented Vice President Al Gore in the historic US Supreme Court case Bush v. Gore, which decided the 2000 presidential election. He also co-founded a widely respected legal blog, further cementing his reputation in the legal community.
Yet, this indictment threatens to overshadow those achievements. Federal officials argue that Goldstein’s financial dealings and failure to meet his tax obligations betray the trust placed in him as a leading figure in the legal profession.
The Human Cost of High-Stakes Gambling
Goldstein’s story is a cautionary tale of how even the most accomplished individuals can fall prey to the intoxicating allure of high-stakes gambling. His wins may have been extraordinary, but the losses—financial and reputational—are proving to be far greater.
While poker is often described as a game of skill, the risks escalate dramatically at the levels Goldstein was playing. For most players, losing $14 million would be an unfathomable setback. For Goldstein, it’s now part of a broader legal battle that could redefine his legacy.
The Bigger Picture
This case raises questions about the intersection of privilege, responsibility, and accountability. Goldstein’s legal expertise and high-profile connections gave him unique opportunities, yet they also seem to have contributed to his downfall. Prosecutors argue that he used his professional stature as a shield while engaging in activities that would draw scrutiny for others.
Whether the court agrees with these allegations remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Goldstein’s high-stakes lifestyle is now under intense public and legal scrutiny.