Michael Adam Lester Mike Lester Pro Gambling Business. Card Player with no accountability and no skills. Do not invest. Las Vegas, Nevada

http://www.myspace.com/jmaguire1133

Now how about for the truth of what really happened. Mr. FONG T. failed to leave

out about 85-90% of the facts of that situation, and seems quite bitter about

what happened several years ago. Yes he invested $2500 into me in 2008.



He failed to mention that number 1) After about 3 months I worked his SMALL

investment up to about $12,500. At which point he told me NOT GOOD ENOUGH. He

said he wanted bigger profits and he wanted me to play more aggressively and

higher stakes poker.



I said that would not be following my money management  policies, that I am very strict about. He said he is not impressed and wants bigger returns. Instead of following my 5% max buy in money management rules that I have set he insisted I play bigger games. After just one bad weekend at

the 25/50 PLO (pot limit omaha) game, 2 coolers and 1 horrible bad beat the

bankroll was depleted.



Anyone who knows PLO knows its a very volaile action filled

game with players chasing draws and crazy things happen. I was at the

unfortunate end of that and with a small bankroll for the stakes we were playing

I had no chance to recover.



Yes my mistake was listening to him instead of insisting otherwise, that my

professional mistake. I am much more experienced now and have worked very hard

on my game.



I now only play No Limit Hold Em and focus/specialize in that,

tournaments and cash games and have had immense success with that. He also

failed to mention that about 2 days before he posted this message in 2010 on

that site I tried to contact him numerous times by phone.



I told him I wanted to pay him back his $2500 now and hopefully we could start over and do this thing

right this time. He picked up the phone and said NOT INTERESTED, LOSE MY NUMBER.

and hung up the phone on me. Now I see this report. Interesting to say the

least.



Anyways If you care to

question me or my abilities, I offer to play you or anyone you know Heads up in

a No Limit Hold Em freeze out match and lets see what happens. I like my

chances!

Wow.  Talk about a revisionist’s view of history.  Liar, liar pants on fire.  Below is the original posting I responded to and some of the transcripts of our dialogue.  You can be the judge of what’s real and what’s not-so-real. 

Original Ad:

Pro Poker Player Seeks Backer (Las Vegas)
________________________________________
Reply to: serv-615364644@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-03-22, 6:47PM PDT

I am a pro gambler moved to Vegas this year. Was working in an non compensated internship post masters degree(accounting/business management). Cards paid my way through college, grad school and expenses/tuition throughout.. I however did not leave myself a sufficient bankroll behind to focus on the cards and stuff here after student loans, old debts and expenses all got paid off(my mistake there)..
I DID NOT LOSE ANY MONEY TO GAMBLING IF YOU ARE WONDERING WHY I AM SEEKING A PARTNER NOW! I am an excellent, motivated, focused, determined player who feels he will be one of the best in town when its all said and done..(Focus and speciality in Poker-namely No Limit Texas Hold Em(tournaments and cash games/heads up play)
I am looking for a partner in this endeavor long term.. Someone who will back me with a relatively small investment, see what we make in due time,increase our goals, share the profits 50/50 and be a great team/partnership..
Please let me know if you have any questions or want more details, rest assured you will not be disappointed! I am ready to work at this 60+ hours/week and make it a huge life changing success..
 
 
• Location: Las Vegas

(EMAIL TRANSCRIPTS)

On Fri, Apr 18, 2008 at 11:53 PM, Michael Lester <jmaguire1133@yahoo.com> wrote:
Ok... Could you maybe start me off with $2500 or so and I will start with a goal of making us $250/day??  Once I build our bankroll to 10k, our goal will be an average of $1000/day profits etc..and with the way I play poker and bet sports, this should be easily attainable for me..  Watch our results for 1 month or 2 and I know you will be quite impressed..You can also watch me play on Pokerstars if you'd like.. Other than showing you the many tournaments(small) I have won online and heads up speciality skills I have, there is no real way to prove my skill.. All i can say is you wont be disappointed..
 
I have a masters degree in sports business management..  I was interning for the Phx suns and then was offering a position with them in their accounting department..I was then already going to the indian reservation casinos after my long days and was paying my expenses and old student loans off through my gambling, for nearly 2 years at that point..  I decided instead of working up the ladder I would rather take a leave of absence and focus on this, I much prefer being my own boss and the flexibility/lucrative potential of this job.. Unfortunately I didnt save enough of a bankroll after all expenses, old debts, a move, old student loans etc.. hit and here I am now playing super small stakes, an absolute joke for someone of my skill, being given advice by my myspace friends daniel negreanu and mike matusow..
 
I also am very passionate about sports and know it like the back of my hand.. I played college baseball at Umass-amherst and then transferred and walked onto the basketball team at the University of Arizona..  I only bet sports now when I have the edge and see a juicy line though, never just for the action...  I am sorry to hear about your bad luck on the market, I have a friend who was a day trader and he is also leaving that line of work now to solely focus on being a professional sports bettor now..
 
if you can get me to work soon, I know in due time things will take off.. The great news about this pro poker business etc.. is there is no business expenses and as we have discussed, the investment risk is relatively small compared to the large potential long term gains..  You know?
 
Mike

On 4/20/08, Michael Lester <jmaguire1133@yahoo.com> wrote:
All Sounds good to me, I understand the arrangement now .. 1st milestone being turning our $2500 into 10k..  Once I do that then weekly deposit 50/50 split of all profits deposited into your washington mutual account..  Right?  (or did you want the 10k then sent to you?  I only ask because I want to make sure we continue working and earning money throughout)  I like this plan and I feel very confident once we reach this 10k goal, things will really become lucrative and exciting..
 
I hope we can get started early to middle of this week with our initial goals..  I will happily fax you what I can tomorrow to prove my idnetity and all, but my drivers license is an arizona one and the address on there is not my current one, nor where I would like the check sent to because if it does I would never receive it lol =)...  I moved into a new house shared and renting with a roommate about 2 months ago here in Vegas, that is where the check needs to go too so we can start making money very soon..You need not worry about that stuff though, as I said I am who I say I am, If I agree to something I will keep my word.. If I have a losing day, you will be getting the honest truth and facts..  You will also be getting that handshake in person as well when we meet up in cali within a few months..Again, the great news is we are only risking a few grand or so but our potential gains can be dramatically life changing in a good way, so it is well worth it!
 
I am looking forward to this partnership with you and I am ready to make this a big time success..  Talk to you tomorrow,
 
Mike

(For the next few weeks Lester had problems with his roommate, landlord, girlfriend, etc.  Won some money, lost some money and disappeared a few times because he went on numerous vacations.)

--------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Michael Lester <jmaguire1133@yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, Jun 5, 2008 at 4:27 PM
Subject: Re: Yesterday's Update
Sorry about that..  Yes we were at $3150 last update before I moved..
 
I have had 3 sessions thus far this week and we are up to $3650 now...  Slowly but surely we are getting to our first 10k goal and now that I am able to focus on this 100%, I am hopefuly by around July 4th we will be close...
 
I played 2 sessions at red rock casino and 1 at the south pointe..  I made $225 at red rock monday night, $205 at south pointe tuesday night, and $70 in a 90 min session at red rock last night...
 
We are well on our way man, once we can get a larger bankroll going, the goals will increase with the increased stakes..
 
Mike

--------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Michael Lester <jmaguire1133@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, Jun 11, 2008 at 1:04 AM
Subject: Update

Having a very bad week man.. Not even playing badly at all, just running bad, bad beat after bad beat.. So the best thing to do is either lower the stakes and ride it out or just take a few days off..  I'm playing good but running bad! Defenseless right now, I think its just part of the process, part of the game because this is a skill game and if I keep going in with the best hand, the math has to take over eventually...
 
5 sessions: lost $925 this week...  3 sessions at MGM, -$225, $205, $80; 2 sessions Sams Town -$265, $150
 
Sorry man, I feel horrible about this bad run.. But, I am trying my best, rest assured of that!
 
Mike

(I question Lester about this additional ad posting seeking investors after I had already put in my money)

Professional Gambler Seeks Business Partner (Las Vegas)
________________________________________
Reply to: serv-716494451@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-06-11, 2:42PM PDT

I am a Professional Gambler and moved to Vegas this year(though gambling has been my main source of income well over 2 years now). Was working in an non compensated internship post masters degree(accounting/business management). Gambling paid my way through college, grad school and expenses/tuition throughout.. I however did not leave myself a sufficient bankroll behind to focus on the cards and stuff here after student loans, old debts and expenses all got paid off(my mistake there not leaving the bankroll intact for life changing money making)..
I am an excellent,young, motivated, focused, determined player who feels he has the skill to be one of the best around when its all said and done, in the long run..(Focus and specialty in Poker- namely No Limit Texas Hold Em(tournaments/heads up play)..I am also an excellent Sports Bettor and I expect our money to be coming in a 2 way format, poker and sports betting..
I am looking for a partner/backer in this endeavor long term.. Someone who will back me with a relatively small investment, see what we make in due time,increase our goals, share the profits 50/50 and be a great team/partnership.. The profits we make will be quite impressive(and immediate) in relation to our small risk..
Please let me know if you have any questions or want more details, I am ready to work at this 60+ hours/week and make it a life changing success.. Very lucrative business and you will not be disappointed!
 
 
• Location: Las Vegas

--- On Mon, 6/16/08,
Subject: Your Most Recent Ad
To: "Michael Lester" <jmaguire1133@yahoo.com>
Date: Monday, June 16, 2008, 5:45 PM

Hello Michael ~
 
My secretary has informed me of your latest Craigslist posting which essentially voids our agreed to gentleman's agreement.  I will be expecting a return of my $2,500 investment via check by the end of this week.

On Mon, Jun 16, 2008 at 5:48 PM, Michael Lester <jmaguire1133@yahoo.com> wrote:
I am not allowed to work with anyone else to increase my bankroll and up my stakes?  I don't remember you telling me I can't have other business partners backing me? Working with 2 grand isn't exactly all that wonderful.. Why shouldn't I want to work with 10k + etc..?

--- On Mon, 6/16/08
Subject: Re: Your Most Recent Ad
To: jmaguire1133@yahoo.com
Date: Monday, June 16, 2008, 6:17 PM

How do you plan on splitting 50/50 three or four or five different ways?  Simple math would dictate that the percentages would change with additional investors.   Which would constitute a material breach in contract on your behalf.

On Mon, Jun 16, 2008 at 6:21 PM, Michael Lester <jmaguire1133@yahoo.com> wrote:
Relax man.. I have NOT gone in with any other backers, i.e I have no other business partners besides you at this point, I am working only for you with only your backing..I simply was hoping we could get more aggressive with a better bankroll or get more patient with how we are going so far, if you are content with this pace..  And to be honest that ad was placed for my friend who is moving out to las vegas in a few weeks who was asking me about a backer.. (hence nothing has changed nor has my determination or focus) I was kind of doing the inquiring for him as a big favor, please dont jump to conclusions so quickly.. I also have big plans and big goals for this business..
 
Date: Mon, Jun 16, 2008 at 6:33 PM
Subject: Re: Your Most Recent Ad
To: jmaguire1133@yahoo.com

The issue of additional investors does not concern me.  I am disappointed in your lack of professional courtesy and communication with regards to decisions that have implications that affect other parties.

(Lester goes on another vacation.  I tell him to work while he is there)

On 07/24/08 Michael Lester jmaguire1133@yahoo.com to me
  
Just got back 3 days ago.. No poker was played all week..while on vacation..
 
Unfortunately I took your advice and tried to make us some money while in san diego, played at Pechanga, blackjack 2 nights and lost $975..  I dont think it was that I was rusty for BJ, I think it was moreso that the conditions kept being changed by them and I didnt adjust properly, it was not ideal conditions, like in vegas unfortunately..
 
Back to poker now though!

(Lester pulls another disappearing act and I chase him down with emails on what is going on)

--- On Thu, 9/25/08,
Subject: Update Request
To: "Michael Lester" <jmaguire1133@yahoo.com>
Date: Thursday, September 25, 2008, 4:57 PM

Mr. Michael Lester ~
 
On Saturday, September 20, 2008 I emailed you an update request on the status of my $2,500 investment.  Yesterday, September 24, 2008 at approximately 8:00 PM Pacific Standard Time I called your number at (480) 216-1101and left you a voicemail with a duplicate inquiry.  As I have not received any updates from you for the past few weeks, I would appreciate notification on the status of my funds as stipulated and agreed to in our previous correspondences.  Your timely reply is appreciated.
 
On Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 5:08 PM, Michael Lester <jmaguire1133@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hi..  Alot has happened since we last spoke, suffice to say things have been very hectic for me.. As per your advice when I was in san diego on vacation I tried to make us some money at the pechanga casino there, playing blackjack and poker..  Unfortunately I had a bad run of luck and tried to work hard to get the bankroll back to where it was upon my return to Vegas..  I had $1700 left and lost that playing solely at my usual places..
 
Safe to say I had never endured anything like this before and had to leave the home I was renting in in las vegas and all.. I am going through some very trying times because of that losing streak, and have had to move in with my parents in the spare guest room in san diego..  I have decided to no longer gamble professionally as well, and will be applying for regular 9-5 work, sending out resumes on Monday to get my life back on track..
 
I tried my best for you with the small investment, I really did, but I guess this was not the path for me, to be a pro gambler/poker player..  I am sorry things turned out this way, I know we both had hoped to build this small bankroll into something significant to work with..
 
I know we had just a gentlemans agreement on our plan for this business, but I truly gave it everything I had.. That is why I am soo devastated right now and havent been in touch for a few weeks now...  If it wasnt for my parents taking me into their home here, I honesty dont know if I would be making it through this..
 
I wish you nothing but success and good luck(better luck than I had) with your future businesses!
 
Mike

--- On Thu, 9/25/08,
Subject: Re: Update Request
To: jmaguire1133@yahoo.com

Date: Thursday, September 25, 2008, 6:22 PM
Were you planning on repaying the $2,500 I gave you?

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Michael Lester <jmaguire1133@yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 6:37 PM
Subject: Re: Update Request

I would hope to at some point, out of the goodness of my heart.. However this was a gambling business and we both understood the risks(for gains or losses), I put in the time to make us money and it didnt work out the way I planned..
 
I am meeting with someone tomorrow to discuss my options, probably to help me file for bankruptcy at this point..I am very sorry things turned out this way, I never anticipated things to get so bad in my life....I just hope I can recover from this at some point down the road and move out from my parents house! =(

(Public records show that no bankruptcy was ever filed.  A few months later Lester contacts me)

On Wed, Apr 8, 2009 at 5:07 PM, Michael Lester <jmaguire1133@yahoo.com> wrote:
My friend is the one who is dealing with this private lender and it will be 50k in his account(then the 1million wire because they are both in NY to show the balance in person) but I sent an anonymous email this morning anyways just to make sure he was real and that he quoted me the same terms he quoted my friend.. Below is my email and his response:

-- On Wed, 4/8/09,
Subject: Re: Fw: Re: Loan
To: "Michael Lester" <jmaguire1133@yahoo.com>
Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2009, 5:28 PM

Not enough information to go by.  I will have to pass.

On Wed, Apr 8, 2009 at 5:30 PM, Michael Lester <jmaguire1133@yahoo.com> wrote:
How bout we just draw up a contract then for a 10k loan and I just pay you back 12.5k after 3 weeks?

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, Apr 8, 2009 at 5:49 PM
Subject: Re: Fw: Re: Loan
To: Michael Lester <jmaguire1133@yahoo.com>

Nothing in this email lends credibility to the transaction and arrangement.  Additionally, your track record with me has only gotten worse since the first time I entrusted my money with you.  The answer is no.

(Lester contacts me again)

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Michael Lester <jmaguire1133@yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, Sep 26, 2009 at 5:58 PM
Subject: Re: hello

How are things going for you now?  I am trying to come back and give this business a much longer, serious try this time..

(Lester contacts me again)

On 10/6/09, Michael Lester <jmaguire1133@yahoo.com> wrote:
Could you help me out with a loan, small short term loan?  If I can come up with 5-10k this week I have a big time investor who is willing to put up over a half of a million dollar investment into me for this business.. Of course I would pay you the loan back with substantial interest, all in writing with a timeline..  Can we work this out? I'd appreciate it very much this is very important to me, as I said this will lead to millions in profits for me..  Talk soon
 
Michael

-- On Wed, 10/7/09,
Subject: Re: Loan-Important
To: "Michael Lester" <jmaguire1133@yahoo.com>
Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2009, 4:28 PM

Is this the same fellow from New York that you mentioned last time who wanted 30% return on the loan within 5 months and collateral equal to 10% of the loan with bank papers as proof?

On 10/7/09, Michael Lester <jmaguire1133@yahoo.com> wrote:
Nope..  The money is guaranteed this time, this is the real deal!  So if you loan me $5k, I will have you $7500 back within 2 weeks..  If you can loan me $10k, I am willing to pay you back as much as $15k in full.. All in writing, legal document/contract..  Everyone wins on the deal, everyone is happy and this will be life changing for me!  Thanks soo much
 
Michael

On Wed, Oct 7, 2009 at 4:47 PM, Michael Lester <jmaguire1133@yahoo.com> wrote:
Ok..  I will tell you the entire situation, this is 100% the truth and 100% real and your help will dramatically change my life for the better.. and you win on the deal also..
 
The arrangement is as follows(I'll try not to make it sound too complicated):
My friend knows a friend who is a big time investor..  He has already met up with him numerous times the past few weeks, the investor has put in writing for him that he wants to invest $1 Million into both of us, total..  $500k for his trading and $500k for my Poker, he is the real deal..
 
All he wanted before doing this investment is to make sure we are the real deal, with a small trial..  So he wanted to know if I could turn the $1000 I currently have into 5-10k within a week to two playing Poker..  If I can do this, he will 100% for sure be investing into us next week, with a check on the spot in person..
 
I however felt that risking the sole $1000 I have and hitting the Poker tables with it would be way too stressful..  I kinda need that money for bills and food this month..  I figured why risk the $1k, when I can just get a $5-10k loan this week, ensuring myself the profits he wanted to see, then get this $500k investment, then immediately just pay back the loan with the interest...  No matter what you get this money back, with the interest!!
 
This will finally solve all my financial worries and I will make sure you are taken care of also..  We can make up any legal contract on this deal and you can have your lawyer review it..  No matter what you are not risking a dime, you make money on the deal..
 
If you have any further questions please let me know or feel free to give me a call at (702) 271-6919.. Thanks
 
Michael

On Thu, Oct 8, 2009 at 5:11 PM, Michael Lester <jmaguire1133@yahoo.com> wrote:

The deal is through my friend who is in direct contact with this investor..  I only have the text messages from my friend on this deal.. As I said, if they know I am attaining the desired amount through a loan and not through Poker earnings, this would be bad..
 
5k would suffice, I will repay you $7500 for this..  Could you do this with my car title, it is worth over $6k?  Thanks
 
Michael

- On Thu, 10/8/09,
Subject: Re: Loan-Important
To: "Michael Lester" <jmaguire1133@yahoo.com>
Date: Thursday, October 8, 2009, 5:24 PM

Sorry, no dice.  Insufficient information.

As a side note, what you are asking for is in essence a 0% loan.  The $7,500 repayment would only cover the $5,000 loaned plus the $2,500 I gave you in 2008. 

I wish you luck

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Michael Lester <jmaguire1133@yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, Oct 8, 2009 at 5:30 PM
Subject: Re: Loan-Important

Nope I would be willing to work for you as well..  You wont find better,  your loss..

(Lester contacts me again)

From: Michael Lester <jmaguire1133@yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, Apr 15, 2010 at 11:13 PM
Subject: Re: Pro Poker Player Seeks Backer (Las Vegas)

Hi there.. How are things going there?  I thought if going well, perhaps we could discuss making a deal and giving this lucrative business a real go again, long term..  I am much better than I was and am also an excellent Sports Bettor along with the Poker now.. I hope to hear from you
 
Michael

(The most recent contact from Lester.  As indicated here I never spoke with him.)

On Tue, Jun 29, 2010 at 10:10 AM, Michael Lester <jmaguire1133@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hey,
 
Did you get my prior email and text How is business going? I am going back to Las Vegas Wednesday and I really want to take off doing this now, I am determined and couldnt be more ready.. Playing the best Poker of my life hands down.. Are you ready to make a fortune with me?  If you back this with a proper long term investment I am also willing to give you other guarantees in writing.. Let me know and we can go over this stuff in much more detail.. Thanks man
 
Mike Lester

--- On Tue, 6/29/10
Subject: Re: Poker Backing- Important
To: "Michael Lester" <jmaguire1133@yahoo.com>
Date: Tuesday, June 29, 2010, 5:03 PM

Not interested

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Michael Lester <jmaguire1133@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 29, 2010 at 6:18 PM
Subject: Re: Poker Backing- Important

Your Loss

Wow Fong, you seriously need to get a life. It was $2500 like what almost 4 years ago? 1 year after being in Las Vegas? What does it tell you NOW that I am still in Las Vegas and still doing this for a living? I must be doing something right here and have some skills huh? In fact I have had huge success with this field since end of 2009 into 2010. You are correct, I completely forgot about the Blackjack and all of that back then. I actually got confused thinking back that many years to your small investment. I was betting $5000 a sports game starting just 6 months ago. I played in a $10k buy in Poker event last summer. I think I have much bigger things planned and ahead of me then to worry about mistakes I made as a brand new pro in 2008. We move on and we learn from it and we improve and thats what I did. You can believe what you want but please remember you are the one that wanted me to be playing Blackjack and stuff at the indian reservations and all when not in Vegas. I now know Poker and Sports Betting are the ONLY beatable games in the long run, with no house advantage. All things aside because I am moving on from this small time story from many years ago that you cant seem to let go of. I will offer this to you AGAIN, would you like the $2500 investment that was lost returned to you in good faith? Nowhere in our contract does it say that if there are any losses that you will be bitter about it and spread negative words about me and my skills/profession online, trying to hurt my reputation and future in this field that I will be in for the rest of my life, as a HUGE WINNER. But I am a professional and a class act, if you would like your money back so there are no hard feelings you can contact me via email and let me know. Thank You

I may not have a life, but at least I tell the truth.  I would love to see where you increased the account to $12,500 back in 2008.  Based on your accounts the highest the money ever got to was $3,500.  Do you have the date of this mystery phone call where you spoke to me and offered to return my $2,500?  I guess you spoke to my twin who doesn't exist. 

You knew how to reach me when you wanted money every few months.  If you want this posting to be amended, you know how to make that happen.  Return my money and I will post on here for all the world to see that you actually paid off your debt and kept your word from 2008 because as you said, "I would hope to at some point, out of the goodness of my heart.."  Your words not mine.

If $2,500 is such a small amount to you then you should have no problem paying it back.  Stay tuned everybody, and see how Lester weasels his way out of this one.  He'll probably say the money was sent but I refused delivery. 

No more posts from me on this king of delusions until a check arrives that doesn't bounce. 

You sure are a bitter little man Fong Tse. There is a word for you and that is SORE LOSER. You show me where in the contract does it say that if we lose that the losses are on me. If I signed on to be responsible for that and your investment was 100% risk free then so be it. Because you are so bitter and still so angry about this small investment almost 4 YEARS ago, I would be happy to resolve this matter so you can finally move on and leave me alone. If you continue to say negative things about me online and try to hurt/defame my name and reputation then out of principle you will not see a dime from me. I am not legally obligated to pay you this money back, I would be doing it because I am going to be highly respected in this industry for a long, long time.. From what I recall that day I phoned you in 2010, I left you a message on your voicemail saying I am trying to pay you back and do this thing right with you now. Then I called again and you hung up the phone on me and said "Not Interested". You must not remember that either. Regardless we can agree to disagree and leave it at that. Send me your contact information in PRIVATE like a real, respectable, classy man would and we can settle this little issue up, not a problem. Thank You

So  much for being a man.  You have my address, again.  It was sent to you at your request two days after your claims of injustice over a month ago.  Why don't you do a Google search on yourself?  You seem to be developing quite a fan club of investors that you've ripped off.  Dude, just admit that you are a crook.  At least it would be a profession that you could say you're good at for once.  

There you go again talking publicly about me and talking trash, when i told you to contact me privately. I have been away now taking care of my mother post surgery. I was getting the money together to pay you back that I had no obligation to do so, you never said IF we lost playing Blackjack that I was responsible for it to pay you back. We both assumed risks with this business at the time. Being that you have now again publicly said things about me, I choose not to pay you back a dime now. Waste all the time you want talking bs about me and insult me all you want. Next time if you cant accept losses dont invest into gambling like Blackjack. Anything can happen, swings do happen, especially on such a small investment and small bankroll. Good luck to you

I just wanted to briefly state my experience with Mike Lester. I found Mike on Craigslist years ago answering his ad for a backer and then met him in person at a Sportsbook in Las Vegas. I personally cannot speak to Mikes Poker play or card playing abilities because I never personally watched him play. I did however use Mike for his Sports Handicapping services from June 2008- August 2010, so just over 2 years. I have to say he did amazingly well for me in that time period. Football was his weakest sport, which was unfortunate because it was my favorite sport to watch but in the other sports he was extremely consistent. I dont want to state the exact amount of money he made for me but it was well beyond the amount you guys state you lost working with him. I felt so confident in him that after 6 months of his picks I started giving his plays to my friends as well, because he had a proven track record at that point and in my mind it would continue to be successful. They obviously made money because of Mike as well. We parted ways on good terms last summer because Mike stated he now had a solid bankroll built up and wanted to focus fully on Poker. I respected that and I figured he wouldnt work with me forever, hoped but knew he wouldn't settle for just a percentage in time. It is unfortunate to see this news on here and see that some money was lost. He was always reachable for conversation via email or phone and seemed to be fully focused on our business and the task at hand day in and day out. I guess I was one of the lucky ones then, I could not have been happier with his performance and the results we achieved together.

Hello "Barry"

Your timeline of events sure is interesting because Lester was working with me at the same time he was working with you.  And between April of 2008 and September of 2008 he couldn't make the rent and supposedly filed for bankruptcy.  It sure is amazing that he could be both a prince and a pauper at the same time.  And then for the next 2 years contact me every few months asking for more money to restart his gambling project.  Isn't this the same time that he was  making oodles of money for you, "Barry"?  All people have to do is read my post with Lester's sordid emails and compare Lester's own words with your success story.