Tobey Maguire is one of a number of alleged Hollywood high rollers being sued for their winnings in an illegal, high stakes regular poker game, as RadarOnline and Star Magazine first reported.
It was alleged in a deposition of the game's ringleader that Maguire was a frequent participant in the secret, high stakes game; one source told the publications that he would average $1 million in winnings a month over a three year period. The games, the suit alleges, were, "exclusive events, by invitation only," and featuring "a regular roster of players consisting of wealthy celebrities, entrepreneurs, attorneys and businessmen."
The suit comes as a result of the conviction of Brad Ruderman, the CEO of Ruderman Capital Partners, who is in prison -- he was sentenced to at least 10 years in January 2010 -- for operating a wire fraud and investment advisor fraud scheme that lost investors $25 million.
Ruderman participated in the games, hosted by Molly Bloom Inc., from summer 2006 to March 2009, losing big money to a number of celebrities. That included Maguire, who is now being sued by the trustee of those who lost money in the ponzi scheme; because, the trustee believes, the game was not licensed with the state of California, they claim that Maguire wrongfully took their clients' money when he allegedly won games against Ruderman.
The games allegedly took place in a number of luxury hotels, including The Four Seasons Hotel and the Beverly Hills Hotel. Those locations are not licensed to host gambling, the trustee insists, furthering the victims' claim to Maguire's winnings. They are seeking $311,300, plus interest, as Maguire was "not entitled to receive the transfers from the Debtor, which transfers were compromised of improperly-diverted investor funds."
Director Nick Cassavetes and Gabe Kaplan, of "Welcome Back Kotter," are also being sued. Star and Radar report, citing Dan Bilzerian, a player in the game and multiple eye-witnesses, that A-list actors such as Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and Leonardo DiCaprio were also involved in the games, though they are not being sued.
Maguire is perhaps best known for his starring role in the "Spider-Man" films, as well as his star turn in "Seabiscuit."
For more, click over to Radar Online; read the legal documents here.