Brandon Steven Avoids Jail Term In Illegal Gambling Case
4 years ago03 Jul
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 gamesâŚ
Steven escaped with 3 yearsâ probation and 200 hours of community service, having already agreed to forfeit his share of the illicit earnings â 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 Stevenâs involvement in the scheme.
Fortunately for Steven he was only facing a misdemeanour charge â âaccessory after the fact to the unlawful transmission of wagering informationâ â for hiding the ledgers that detailed the shady business.
According to The Wichita Eagle, the entrepreneur admitted to âhiding handwritten ledgers or other computerized records that detail gambling credits, earnings and the obligations of a gambling businessâ.
He could have been sentenced to a year in jail for the offence, but both the prosecution and defence âurged federal Magistrate Judge Gwynne Birzer to be lenientâ.
Judge Birzer later stated: âI do believe that the sentence is sufficient,â stating that she felt Steven understood the consequences of his actions and had managed to âexercise proper remorseâ.
Stevenâs 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:
âI 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.â
Steven is planning to play the ongoing WSOP.
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