Poker Pro is Accusing the DOJ of Racial Profiling

A professional poker player in the WSOP of accusing the DOJ of racially profiling him over fraud charges in order to collect debt

Travell Thomas, a professional poker player, is making a bold claim against the US Department of Justice. According to Thomas, the DOJ is racially profiling him in order to collect a debt that him and his associates obtained illegally.

Thomas’ statements come after UK gambling news broke that the DOJ arrested him and 10 of his accomplices who were involved with a debt collection agency. It has been claimed that their agency often used physically abusive tactics, and would sometimes pose as police officers to collect money. During the course of their practices, the collection agency is said to have hauled in over $31 million.

Manhattan-based attorney Preet Bharara is leading the prosecution against Thomas, and is vehemently denying the accusations of racism. According to Thomas, Bharara and his team only take cases against debt companies run by African Americans. Preet’s office points out that the FTC was the first to file civil action, and feels his claims are a form of evasion.

Is Travell Thomas Still in the WSOP?

The 2016 World Series of Poker is on its final leg. The November Nine will return to play on October 30th, with the winner taking home $8,000,000. Thomas will not be part of that group. In fact, Thomas has never placed higher than 12th in the WSOP. He took home $26,727 in that tournament.

Bet365 has Cliff Josephy as the current favorite to win the 2016 WSOP with odds of 5/2. Behind him is Qui Nguyen at 4/1, Gordon Vayo at 9/2, Kenny Hallaert at 5/1, and Griffin Benger at 10/1. Check out Bet365 for the full list of betting odds.

At this point, it seems unlikely that Travell Thomas’ claims of racial profiling will have much effect on the case. Numerous witnesses are implicating him in illegal activities, and if convicted, he could spend as much as 40 years in prison.

Do you think Thomas was a victim of racial profiling? Does he have any chance to win the case? Leave your comments below, and make sure to check out GamingZion’s list of online sportsbooks in the UK to find the best websites for betting on poker.