Steve Forte, author of Poker Protection - arrested in NJ

*TT* · #1 07-18-2007, 03:12 PM

http://www.klas-tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6804075. Video is also available at that link.

Steve claims he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The scheme did not target the casino games, they targeted poker tournament players "off the floor" - I am still trying to guess what that may mean but I don't have any ideas yet.

side note - Mason has commented numerous times about how good his book Poker Protection is, its been on the list of books for me to buy but I haven't gotten to it yet. He is considered the #1 expert in the field of countering cheats.

AngusThermopyle · #2 07-18-2007, 03:27 PM

http://www.klas-tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6804075

Professionalpoker · #3 07-18-2007, 04:03 PM

I would tend to believe Steve. He has been to my office a couple of times. He would have too much to lose by participating in a scam. I am hopeful his explanation is true.

*TT* · #4 07-18-2007, 04:27 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I would tend to believe Steve. He has been to my office a couple of times. He would have too much to lose by participating in a scam. I am hopeful his explanation is true.

[/ QUOTE ]

But as a professional he hurts his credibility being in the room while a criminal act is taking place, and is an accomplice by the sheer fact that he was witness to a criminal act - an unfortunate situation because my understanding is that Steve is a class act and a true expert in his circles. The more I think about it the more I guess this might have been an online scam. Perhaps the goal was to play a a high-limit player HU with a computer infected with a Trojan horse - allowing them to see the hole cards? at least this theory would match the cryptic statement released by Borgata authorities.

If he was just a witness, will this affect his consulting business? What are the laws in Vegas for gaming consultants with felony charges?

Professionalpoker · #5 07-18-2007, 05:36 PM

Charge - not much. Might be a problem with a conviction.

Mason Malmuth · #6 07-18-2007, 07:29 PM

Hi TT:

I know Steve Forte and find this report upsetting. He's the very best at what he does and no one else comes close. My hope is that, as Steve says, he was just in the wrong place at the wong time and that he can show he's not involved.

Best wishes,
Mason

*TT* · #7 07-18-2007, 07:41 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Hi TT:

I know Steve Forte and find this report upsetting. He's the very best at what he does and no one else comes close. My hope is that, as Steve says, he was just in the wrong place at the wong time and that he can show he's not involved.

Best wishes,
Mason

[/ QUOTE ]

Mason - at first I was going to tell you about Steve via PM because i know he is a trusted friend, but since the TV station did a full report I thought it would be an interesting topic for us to follow in this forum. Hopefully more people will learn about his book Poker Protection through this thread, possibly the only positive result that may come from this case for some time.

I am crossing my fingers this is related to on-line fraud so companies can discover methods to protect end users better, and of course i am also hoping that Steve can exonerate himself - perhaps through a paper trail proving his intentions were good.

Cactus Jack · #8 07-19-2007, 01:45 AM

I cannot figure out how this is not a weird deal. Makes no sense. Too much to lose. If anyone should know the "wages of sin," it would be he. If anyone should know better... Criminals are going to be caught, and he knows it. Catch me if you can? Nah, it just doesn't make any sense at all.

I can't imagine he's been a fraud all along. Too many smart people out there.

Shandrax · #9 07-19-2007, 10:29 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Hi TT:

I know Steve Forte and find this report upsetting. He's the very best at what he does and no one else comes close. My hope is that, as Steve says, he was just in the wrong place at the wong time and that he can show he's not involved.

Best wishes,
Mason

[/ QUOTE ]

Isn't this the moment to consult David for some bayesian advice? How many times have innocent people been caught in a room full of cheating equipment before and therefore what are the odds for Mr. Forte not being involved?

Shandrax · #10 07-20-2007, 03:05 AM

The sad part about it is that the name of the player with the fixed i-pod or the relay-device in his shoes didn't become public. Would be really funny if it was a prominent person like...