Supreme Court Lawyer Convicted of Tax Fraud for Hiding Poker Winnings

Thomas C. Goldstein, co-founder of SCOTUSblog, concealed millions in gambling income from the government, prosecutors say.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Thomas C. Goldstein, a prominent Supreme Court lawyer who co-founded the SCOTUSblog website, was convicted by a federal jury of tax evasion and mortgage fraud for hiding millions of dollars in high-stakes poker winnings from the government. Prosecutors said Goldstein used an elaborate scheme to conceal his gambling income and debts, including diverting legal fees from his law firm to pay off his gambling debts.

Why it matters

Goldstein's conviction is a stunning blow to his once-sterling legal career, which included representing high-profile clients like Al Gore and Google before the Supreme Court. The case has shaken the legal community and raised questions about the ethical boundaries for lawyers who engage in outside activities like high-stakes gambling.

The details

According to federal prosecutors, Goldstein won over $50 million playing poker in 2016 but used various tactics to hide this income from the IRS, including diverting legal fees to his personal accounts and directing people who owed him money to pay his creditors instead. Prosecutors also accused Goldstein of committing mortgage fraud by understating his liabilities on loan applications for a $2.6 million home purchase. The government said Goldstein used the money from these schemes to fund his gambling and lavish lifestyle, including intimate relationships with a dozen women, some of whom were hired by his law firm despite doing little to no work.

  • In January 2025, federal prosecutors filed a 50-page indictment against Goldstein.
  • On February 26, 2026, a federal jury convicted Goldstein on 12 of 16 criminal counts.
  • Goldstein is awaiting sentencing, which could result in dozens of years in prison.

The players

Thomas C. Goldstein

A prominent Supreme Court lawyer who co-founded the SCOTUSblog website. He was convicted of tax evasion and mortgage fraud for hiding millions in high-stakes poker winnings from the government.

Tobey Maguire

An actor who testified in Goldstein's trial about helping Goldstein collect a $7.8 million gambling debt owed to Maguire by a Texas billionaire.

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What they’re saying

“Mr. Goldstein is a sophisticated attorney who concealed millions of dollars in income, manipulated his law firm's books and deceived lenders — all to fund his gambling and lifestyle.”

— A. Tysen Duva, Assistant Attorney General, Justice Department Criminal Division (The New York Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Goldstein's sentencing, which could result in dozens of years in prison.

The takeaway

Goldstein's conviction highlights the ethical risks and potential consequences for lawyers who engage in high-stakes gambling and other outside activities that could compromise their professional integrity and obligations. The case serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of maintaining clear boundaries between one's legal practice and personal financial affairs.