Court Orders Poker Pro To Play For Freedom

We know the feds have been giving poker players a hard time of late in the USA, but the authorities in one state has taken the opposite tactic, actually ordering a man to play to pay crime debts.

New Mexico prosecutors struck a deal with former stockbroker Samuel McMaster, Jr. on August 4 that would allow him to avoid prison if he can earn back by poker the $444,000 he defrauded out of more than 20 victims.

The deal was struck after McMaster admitted to 26 felony charges of securities fraud.

New Mexico prosecutor Phyllis Bowman told ABC News on Monday that the condition of McMaster's release "have nothing to do with his profession," adding that "there's nothing to indicate he is a violent threat to society."

Good Night and Good Luck

Under the deal McMaster, who according to his lawyer "plays poker to make ends meet," will be allowed to leave New Mexico to play at tournaments around the country. But the task of winning so much money will not be easy, given that the controversial player has not had any success for at least two years.

McMaster must make at least $7,500 a month during the next six month or face appearing back in court, where he could be sentenced to up to 12 years in prison for his crimes.