Poker Pro Cory Zeidman Senteced to Federal Prison in Wire Fraud Case
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Oct. 8, 2025 Update: Cory Zeidman was sentenced on Oct. 7 to 46 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, five months longer than prosecuting attorneys recommended following a plea deal. The court recommends the poker pro to serve his sentence at FPC Pensacola, a minimum security federal prison for male offenders.
Cory Zeidman, a longtime poker pro who pleaded guilty to federal charges in a sports betting fraud case last year, is likely to spend the next few years behind prison walls, PokerNews has learned.
The New Yorker, who accepted guilt on charges of conspiracy and wire fraud more than two years after his arrest, initially denied the allegations in a 2022 statement to PokerNews.
“In the words of (German philosopher Friedrich) Nietzsche, 'Everything the state says is a lie and everything it has it has stolen.' They took all my money and they seem upset that I won't plead to things I haven't done. I’ve been advised by my council to not get into details but I anxiously await my day in court. I have worked in the sports handicapping industry for the past 40 years starting with 'professor picks.' Trade secret — he wasn’t a real professor. I want to thank the outpouring of positive words in support from my close friends and family who know me best as an individual with the highest level of morals and integrity," Zeidman said in June 2022, weeks after his arrest.
Just two years later and the player who infamously slowrolled Poker Hall of Famer Jennifer Harman at the 2005 World Series of Poker (WSOP) now knows approximately how long he'll spend in prison.
Poker Pro Knows His Fate
PokerNews obtained a redacted sentencing letter from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Joseph Nocella Jr., the United States Attorney prosecuting the case. The eight-page letter, sent to United States District Judge Joanna Seybert, lays out the government's sentencing recommendations, which include prison time and a forfeiture of millions in "fraud proceeds."
The government, as part of the plea agreement, deems 33 to 41 months in federal prison sufficient for the crime the poker pro committed. Zeidman, who initially faced up to 20 years in prison, has agreed to forfeit nearly $3.7 million in fraud proceeds.
Restitution is also mandatory in this case. Zeidman, a 2012 WSOP bracelet winner, owes 21 victims a total amount of $5.2 million.
"No objection to that restitution figure having been asserted, the government submits the Court should adopt it, the sentencing letter reads.
Zeidman's Crime
Zeidman was arrested May 25, 2022 in Florida, and his case initially received extensive mainstream media coverage. USA Today, ESPN, and many other major news outlets picked up on the story.
He was accused by the government of falsely claiming to bettors to have "privileged" or inside information about various sporting events and he "falsely claimed that there was no risk associated with their wages," court documents state. Zeidman placed radio ads to "lure victims."
In exchange for the information, which, according to prosecutors, "was either fictitious or obtained from an internet search," Zeidman and his co-defendants demanded that the victims pay fees and collected millions in fees between 2004 and 2020. The poker pro claimed the "privileged" sports betting information he had meant his clients would be taking on no risk betting on the games.
"Sports bettors sought Cory Zeidman's advice before gambling their money — but it was Zeidman himself who was scoring big through his deceptive practices, outright lies, and high-pressure tactics that exploited unsuspecting clients," special agent Charles Walker of Homeland Security in New York said in the news release following Zeidman's arrest.
Zeidman has nearly $700,000 in live tournament cashes, according to The Hendon Mob, but has mostly been a cash game pro. He won the $1,500 Seven Card Stud event at the 2012 WSOP for $201,559. Reigning world champion Michael Mizrachi finished fifth in that 622-entrant tournament.
Zeidman is not in custody while awaiting his Oct. 7 sentencing in the United States District Court Eastern District of New York. Judge Seybert is not required to accept the sentencing guidelines set by the prosecuting attorneys and could sentence the admitted criminal to a shorter or lengthier term.
