Convicted Poker Pro Seeks Lighter Sentence to Play Poker for Restitution Money
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A Michigan poker pro convicted of auto loan fraud last year could end up having to pay millions of dollars in restitution for his crime, and he plans to earn that money one poker tournament at a time.
George Janssen, a four-time World Series of Poker Circuit ring winner and former car dealer, pleaded guilty in August 2025 after the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) charged him with one count of financial institution fraud over a fraudulent auto loan scheme where he defrauded several credit unions out of nearly $4 million.
Now, ahead of his sentencing scheduled for later this week, Janssen has asked for a lighter sentence than the minimum recommendation so that he can attempt "to make restitution" by playing poker.
"It is Mr. Janssen's intention to pay restitution to all affected parties with the proceeds of his poker winnings," his attorney, Keith E. Corbett of Barone Defense Firm, said in a recent court filing.
"The Road to Hell Is Paved With Good Intentions"
Janssen's legal saga began with a bizarre tale that he was being extorted by gang members and held captive for over a month after being found zip-tied and bloodied on a rural Michigan road in December 2023 — apparently an elaborate story fabricated to evade his financial trouble.
He was later investigated by the FBI and eventually charged with financial institution fraud after he "knowingly executed a scheme or artifice to defraud and to obtain money, funds or other property" owned by multiple credit lenders "by means of material false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises" from June 2016 to October 2023.
In a memorandum filed on Friday, Corbett told the court that Janssen "has never denied his guilt in this matter and has done everything in his power to accept responsibility for his actions."
His attorney further said that the fraudulent auto loan scheme was a result of financial hardship that Janssen's car dealership experienced during the Coronavirus pandemic.
"As the economy slowed down George was faced with significant challenges in his business. These problems cause(d) him to engage in the activities that resulted in the charges in this case. It was always George's intention to pay the money back and ensure no one suffered financial harm."
Janssen's attorney added that "this unrealistic expectation eventually resulted in a formal accusation in this matter. Proving the maxim that 'The road to hell is paved with good intentions.'"
As Janssen's business problems grew, he "increased the size and scope of his fraudulent activities" before eventually informing major victims before "things came to head."
He was later sued civilly by one of the lenders, Copoco Community Credit Union, and sold "all the property in his possession," including his home and several acres of land.
Playing Poker to Win Restitution Money
Since pleading guilty last summer, Corbett said Janssen has relied on "playing poker at local casinos" as his "source of income."
"He has been quite open with the probation department about his efforts to earn an income from playing poker. He has provided records which make it clear that he can earn a living playing poker."
Corbett argued that giving Janssen a lighter prison sentence of 24 months — down from the minimum recommendation of 51 months — will allow the poker pro to get a head start on making restitution, noting that "after his release from federal custody, he will be able to pursue playing a larger venue which will allow him to earn more money than he can at local venues."
"This will allow him to reunite with his wife and Children as well as attempting to make restitution," wrote Corbett. "Spending four years in prison will help nobody."
Janssen has already made some headway in that regard. Just weeks after pleading guilty, the poker pro with $505,291 in Hendon Mob earnings took down an event at Firekeepers Casino in Battle Creek in Michigan for $18,556.
More recently, he won a $200 buy-in bounty tournament at Michigan's Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort for $2,553 and later finished third in a $300 buy-in event at the same venue for $4,323.
Corbett, who is a former federal prosecutor who handled gambling cases, noted that "conversations with numerous gambling experts have advised me that good poker players have a excellent opportunity to make a profit on a regular basis."
"Janssen has always made a profit," he said.
