How Tom Goldstein's Risky Poker Habit Caught Up With the SCOTUSblog Founder

At its height, the influential SCOTUSBlog provided Supreme Court coverage that drew comparisons to the comprehensive way ESPN reports on sports. But while the blog was becoming required reading for attorneys, law students, and journalists, its founder was allegedly racking up millions in gambling and tax debts.

High-profile Washington attorney Tom Goldstein was indicted last month on federal charges allegedly tied to an ultra-high-stakes poker hobby involving billionaires, professional gamblers, Hollywood stars, and trips to Macau.

Goldstein—a seasoned litigator known as a risk-taker both in court and at the poker table—was arrested Feb. 10 after prosecutors said he violated the terms of his release by hiding cryptocurrency accounts from pretrial services and transferring funds without approval. He has since filed an emergency motion challenging his detention.

On this episode of our podcast, investigative reporter Alexia Fernández Campbell and legal reporter Holly Barker discuss the story that’s riveting the legal world.

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