PokerStars Founder Avoids Jail for US Activity

It’s amazing to think that this case stretches back to the Black Friday poker closures of 2011, but it does. And now, PokerStars founder Isai Scheinberg knows his punishment for allowing his company to operate in America after UIGEA.

Mr. Scheinberg has avoided jail time and must pay a paltry $30,000 fine. He could have received a prison sentence between 12 and 18 months, but elected to plead guilty to one count of operating an illegal gambling business in March, resulting in an exceptionally lenient sentence. Charges of bank fraud and money laundering were dropped as part of his plea deal.

When asked about his sentence, Scheinberg said he was pleased, then added that “I am particularly proud that in 2011, when PokerStars exited the United States, all of its American players were made whole immediately.”

You can read more about the PokerStars founder and the outcome of his court case at iGaming Business.