Cory Zeidman Pleads Guilty to Sports Betting Fraud Scheme
Former WSOP bracelet winner Cory Zeidman has admitted guilt in connection to a $25 million sports betting fraud scheme. The 64-year-old poker pro, who was once celebrated in the poker community, has now become a cautionary tale of deception and greed. His involvement in this large-scale operation exploited vulnerable individuals seeking insider tips on sporting events.
Details of the Fraud
Zeidman’s scheme, operational between 2004 and 2020, revolved around fraudulent claims of having “privileged” information on sports outcomes. These false promises, primarily advertised via radio commercials, lured victims by guaranteeing substantial returns on their investments. However, most of these so-called insider tips were fabricated or drawn from publicly available information.
Clients paid hefty fees under the impression that they were engaging in secure betting opportunities. Instead, they were systematically defrauded, with the operation generating millions of dollars for Zeidman and his associates.
The Investigation and Guilty Plea
In May 2022, Zeidman’s fraudulent activities came to light when he was arrested. Initially maintaining his innocence, he even quoted Friedrich Nietzsche, portraying himself as a victim of overzealous authorities. Despite his declarations of moral integrity, mounting evidence led him to plead guilty in October 2024 to charges of conspiracy and wire fraud.
The plea was entered in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, marking a significant shift in his defense strategy. His legal team acknowledged the overwhelming evidence against him, leaving no viable alternative.
Sentencing and Fallout
While sentencing has yet to be finalized, Zeidman faces a potential 20-year prison term and restitution payments amounting to $3.6 million. His arrest and subsequent plea have not only tarnished his reputation in the poker world but also ended his career as a respected player. He has since refrained from participating in live tournaments, though reports suggest he continues to play in smaller cash games in Florida.
Zeidman’s case underscores the dangers of greed and deceit, even in a community as tight-knit as the poker world. His fall from grace serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical conduct both at and away from the tables.
For more updates on this case and other poker-related news, stay tuned to PokerNews.
FAQ
What is a Rake Chase?
What is a Rake Chase? Rake chases are poker promotions which are incentives for players to rake more and reward them generously for that. In contrary to a rake race, you don’t compete against other players , but instead chase your own individual targets. In order to hit the points targets you need to play a certain amount of poker hands or tournaments for real money. As soon as you hit the points requirement, you have secured yourself the amount of money, which was preset for the respective level.
What is TP in WPT poker?
What is TP in WPT poker? Tournament Points (TPs) are used to buy into VIP tournaments on ClubWPT. All players start with a fixed amount of TPs (500) upon opening a VIP account. They cannot be reloaded, but will be automatically “topped up” once per day.
What is the origin of the name Roulette?
What is the origin of the name Roulette? The origin of the name “roulette” is French and it means “little wheel”. The name is derived from the fact that the game is played on a small wheel that spins around, with players betting on where the ball will land. The word “roulette” was first used in its current context in the 18th century, although the game itself dates back much earlier.
What are some famous roulette scandals and controversies throughout history?
What are some famous roulette scandals and controversies throughout history? 1. The Eudaemons – In the 1970s, a group of physics students at the University of California Santa Cruz used a computer to predict the outcomes of roulette games in Nevada casinos. They called themselves “The Eudaemons” and made significant profits before their operation was shut down. 2. The Ritz-Carlton Scandal – In 2004, a team of Eastern European gamblers used a laser scanner and a computer to predict where the ball would land on the roulette wheel at the Ritz-Carlton casino in London.
What deposit methods are currently available in WPT Global?
What deposit methods are currently available in WPT Global? Players can deposit to their WPT Global account using a variety of payment methods (depending on region) including Visa, Mastercard, JCB, instant bank transfer, prepaid vouchers and a wide range of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin and many more. Major E-wallets like Neteller, Skrill, Muchbetter and Luxonpay are also available (excluding Ontario).
