Feds 'Looking Into' High-Stakes Poker Player: ReportBrandon Steven Says Investigation Over Poker, Casino Bid |
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The Wichita Eagle reported that businessman and world-class poker player Brandon Steven, who is known for playing in some of the most expensive poker tournaments in the world, is the subject of an ongoing federal inquiry.
The investigation reportedly stems from intercepted phones calls made between May and June in 2015. There’s not a lot of information available, but according to Steven the inquiry is into his poker play and his past work trying to open up a casino in Kansas.
“I’m aware of the broad nature of this inquiry," Steven told the newspaper. "As you know and everybody knows, I play high-stakes poker. And from what we understand, they are looking into my poker and my involvement with Castle Rock Casino.”
Steven’s plan for the casino never came to fruition. A lawsuit over the state’s decision to go with a different bidder for the Southeast Kansas facility is pending.
Steven added that he will “fully cooperate” with the investigation.
He has cashed for more than $3 million lifetime in poker tournaments. Steven recently bubbled the €1,000,000-buy-in Big One for One Drop Extravaganza.