Supreme Court Lawyer Faces Tax Evasion Charges Over High-Stakes Poker Winnings

Thomas Goldstein, a prominent attorney who argued over 40 cases before the Supreme Court, is accused of failing to pay taxes on millions in gambling income.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Thomas Goldstein, a former Supreme Court lawyer and co-founder of the popular SCOTUSblog, is on trial for tax evasion charges related to his secret high-stakes poker playing. Prosecutors allege Goldstein failed to pay taxes on tens of millions in gambling winnings and improperly used his law firm to pay salaries and benefits for women he was romantically involved with. Goldstein denies any wrongdoing, claiming he made innocent mistakes on his tax returns.

Why it matters

Goldstein's case has sent shockwaves through the legal community in Washington, D.C., where he was known as a highly accomplished Supreme Court advocate. The allegations of tax evasion and misuse of his law firm raise questions about the integrity of the legal profession and the ability of high-profile individuals to potentially skirt the law.

The details

Prosecutors say Goldstein grossed tens of millions in poker winnings, including $22 million from games in Asia in 2016 alone, but failed to pay taxes on that income. They also allege he diverted money from his law firm to pay gambling debts and falsely deducted gambling losses as business expenses. Additionally, Goldstein is accused of lying to the IRS, hiding gambling debts from lenders, and using his firm to improperly pay salaries and benefits to women he was romantically involved with.

  • The trial began on January 12, 2026 and is expected to conclude this week.
  • Goldstein was indicted on the tax evasion charges in January 2025, which sent shockwaves through the legal community.

The players

Thomas Goldstein

A former Supreme Court lawyer who co-founded the popular SCOTUSblog and is now on trial for tax evasion charges related to his secret high-stakes poker playing.

Sean Beaty

A Justice Department prosecutor handling the case against Goldstein.

Jonathan Kravis

Goldstein's defense attorney, who is arguing that the government rushed to judgment and failed to adequately investigate the case.

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What they’re saying

“He's not a dummy. He's a willful tax cheat.”

— Sean Beaty, Justice Department prosecutor

“Not even close. Tom Goldstein is innocent.”

— Jonathan Kravis, Goldstein's defense attorney

“A mistake is not a crime.”

— Jonathan Kravis, Goldstein's defense attorney

What’s next

The jury is expected to begin deliberations on the case this week.

The takeaway

Goldstein's case highlights the potential for high-profile individuals to abuse their positions and resources to evade taxes and engage in other unethical behavior. It raises questions about the oversight and integrity of the legal profession, and the ability of prosecutors to effectively investigate and prosecute complex financial crimes.