Well-known poker player and businessman Brandon Steven dodged a bullet as he was spared a prison sentence for his part in a $multi-million illegal gambling ring that included underground poker games…
Steven escaped with 3 years’ probation and 200 hours of community service, having already agreed to forfeit his share of the illicit earnings – amounting to a $1,095,000 hit against the Wichita businessman.
As we reported last year, an FBI probe into the men suspected of operating various illegal underground poker games and online gambling sites had tagged Steven’s involvement in the scheme.
Fortunately for Steven he was only facing a misdemeanour charge – ‘accessory after the fact to the unlawful transmission of wagering information’ – for hiding the ledgers that detailed the shady business.
According to The Wichita Eagle, the entrepreneur admitted to ‘hiding handwritten ledgers or other computerized records that detail gambling credits, earnings and the obligations of a gambling business’.
He could have been sentenced to a year in jail for the offence, but both the prosecution and defence ‘urged federal Magistrate Judge Gwynne Birzer to be lenient’.
Judge Birzer later stated: “I do believe that the sentence is sufficient,” stating that she felt Steven understood the consequences of his actions and had managed to “exercise proper remorse”.
Steven’s poker record shows $3,196,690 in recorded tournament winnings on TheHendonMob.com, including six 6-figure scores, with a $648,000 High Roller victory at the Aria in October 2016 topping the list.
He told PokerNews:
“I have taken this matter seriously and am accepting and grateful for the outcome given be the court… and you better be ready for me on the felt in a couple weeks.”
Steven is planning to play the ongoing WSOP.