Cory Zeidman Guilty in Sports Betting Fraud Scheme

Professional poker player Cory Zeidman pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud after leading a multimillion-dollar scheme that misled sports bettors by claiming to have inside information on games. The fraudulent operation, which ran from 2006 to 2020, involved Zeidman and his partners using fake names and high-pressure sales tactics to convince victims to pay for betting advice based on false claims of 'dirty' referees and fixed games. The organization advertised nationally under aliases like 'Gordon Howard Global' and the 'Ray Palmer Group,' claiming access to confidential information from media executives and college physicians. Zeidman, a World Series of Poker bracelet winner, is facing up to 20 years in prison and must pay approximately $3.6 million in forfeiture and restitution. Authorities have highlighted the case as a warning against fraudulent schemes masquerading as investment opportunities, with U.S. Attorney Breon Peace emphasizing the commitment to prosecuting such fraud. Victims of the scheme are being asked to contact Homeland Security Investigations.