The trial of Tom Goldstein continues, with testimony this week from high-stakes poker players and business figures detailing large gambling debts linked to the embattled attorney.
California Mogul Testifies About High-Stakes Losses
Bob Safai, a California real estate mogul and veteran high-stakes cash game player, took the stand Tuesday to discuss poker matches against Goldstein in 2017. According to Bloomberg Law, Safai described Goldstein’s play as “aggressive” and occasionally “erratic,” echoing past reports of Goldstein’s notorious style.
Safai’s matches followed Goldstein’s 2016 winning streak, in which he took over $50 million from three opponents. In 2017, however, Goldstein lost $14 million to Safai, who said he had difficulty collecting $6 million in winnings from a two-day Labor Day match. To secure repayment, Goldstein eventually signed a promissory note, later sold to fellow high-stakes player Edwin “Eddie” Ting.
Safai, known primarily for cash games and appearances on High Stakes Poker, also played high-stakes tournaments, including the €1 million buy-in 2016 Big One for One Drop in Monte Carlo, which included Goldstein associates and other poker notables.
Additional Testimony Highlights Goldstein’s Career
Tuesday also included testimony from Kevin Russell, Goldstein’s former law partner, who described him as a confident and skilled attorney who retired in 2023 to pursue other ventures. Earlier witnesses included billionaire Alec Gores, from whom Goldstein won $26.4 million, and former poker pro Keith Gipson, who coached Goldstein for his heads-up matches.
The trial, which began last week and is expected to last about a month, covers charges including tax evasion, falsifying tax returns, and making false statements to mortgage lenders. Goldstein has pleaded not guilty to all counts.
