Maguire's Poker Lawsuit Heading to Trial

Hollywood actor Tobey Maguire's legal battle against the bankrupt trustees of convicted conman Bradley Ruderman is heading to trial in January, 2012.

The Spider-Man star is accused of beating Ruderman in a series of unlicensed poker games in California, taking more than $300,000 (£187,500) in winnings from the bankrupt hedge fund manager, who is currently serving time in prison after being convicted of operating a fraudulent Ponzi scheme.

Bankruptcy trustees filed suit against Maguire in June (11) in a bid torecoup money that Ruderman claims to have lost in the illegal games.

The actor has fired back with a countersuit, insisting the card games were never controlled and did not feature a regular roster of celebrities - as initially reported.

Maguire also argued that he should not have to hand back any winnings because he lost just as much money to Ruderman.

The case will go before a trial judge at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Los Angeles on the week of 30 January (12), reports Eonline.com.