Poker Pro Cory Zeidman Pleads Guilty in Shocking Bettor Fraud Scheme
In a story that feels ripped straight from a Hollywood thriller, professional poker player Cory Zeidman has pleaded guilty to a years-long scheme that defrauded sports bettors in New York and Florida. The poker pro, known for his success at the 2012 World Series of Poker, admitted to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in connection with a sports betting operation that federal authorities say was built on lies and deception.
According to a press release from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, Zeidman and his partners orchestrated a scheme that spanned from 2006 to 2020. The operation preyed on unsuspecting bettors by claiming to have inside information on sporting events, including non-public injury details, “dirty” referees, and even fixed games. These false claims were used to convince bettors to pay for advice that was nothing more than a web of deceit.
How the Scheme Worked
Zeidman’s organization ran national radio advertisements under fake names like “Gordon Howard Global” and “Ray Palmer Group.” These ads lured in potential customers with promises of privileged information. Once individuals contacted the services, they were told the organization had exclusive access to insider knowledge from sources such as college physicians and television executives. The reality? It was all fabricated.
Special agent Charles Walker of Homeland Security in New York didn’t mince words when describing the operation. “Sports bettors sought Cory Zeidman’s advice before gambling their money — but it was Zeidman himself who was scoring big through his deceptive practices, outright lies, and high-pressure tactics that exploited unsuspecting clients,” Walker said in the release.
The Fallout
Federal authorities allege that Zeidman and his partners pocketed millions of dollars through their fraudulent operation. U.S. Attorney Breon Peace emphasized the scale of the deception, stating, “Zeidman and his partners baited unsuspecting victims with false claims of an edge in sports betting only to feed them lies and pocket millions of dollars.”
For those who believe they may have been victims of this scheme, authorities are urging them to contact Homeland Security Investigations. The case serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in the sports betting world, especially when dealing with unverified sources.
Zeidman’s Poker Legacy
While Zeidman’s name is now tied to this scandal, he was once celebrated in the poker world. In 2012, he won a coveted bracelet at the World Series of Poker, a milestone that many professional players dream of achieving. However, this latest chapter in his life is likely to overshadow his accomplishments at the poker table.
Key Takeaways
- Duration of the Scheme: The fraudulent operation ran from 2006 to 2020, spanning 14 years.
- Methods Used: Fake radio ads, false claims of insider information, and high-pressure sales tactics.
- Impact: Millions of dollars were allegedly stolen from unsuspecting bettors.
- Legal Action: Zeidman pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
This case is a cautionary tale for anyone involved in sports betting. It highlights the importance of verifying the credibility of sources and being wary of too-good-to-be-true claims. As the sports betting industry continues to grow, so too does the need for vigilance against scams and fraudulent schemes.
For now, Cory Zeidman’s poker career and reputation are in tatters, and his guilty plea marks the end of a long-running con that exploited the trust of countless individuals. The story serves as a sobering reminder that even in the high-stakes world of professional poker, not all bets are worth taking.
Originally Written by: Unknown
