David Ginn's Christmas Color Changing Shoelaces

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New Documentary Stealing Magic Exposes the Dark World of Magic Piracy

 A new documentary making waves at the Tribeca Film Festival shines a spotlight on an issue that many magicians know all too well: the theft of original magic creations.

Stealing Magic, directed by Matthew Testa, follows a real-life investigation that feels more like a Hollywood thriller than a traditional documentary. The film chronicles the efforts of magician and magic dealer Andi Gladwin and fellow magician George Luck as they attempt to uncover the individuals behind a major online piracy operation that allegedly stole and resold magic tricks from creators around the world.

The story begins when Gladwin, who operates a website selling legitimate magic products, discovers that many of the same effects are appearing on a bootleg website at drastically reduced prices. What starts as a business concern quickly evolves into an international investigation as he becomes determined to identify those responsible.

The documentary highlights the often-overlooked impact piracy has on the magic community. Unlike many other industries, magic creators frequently spend years developing a single effect, only to earn a relatively modest return on their investment. For many inventors, the motivation is not financial gain but a passion for advancing the art of magic.

According to the film, attempts to have the pirated material removed were unsuccessful. Gladwin and Luck claim that when they contacted the operators of the website, they were met with demands for substantial payments in cryptocurrency rather than cooperation. The alleged response raised concerns about both the scale of the operation and the profits being generated through unauthorized sales.

As the investigation unfolds, Stealing Magic combines elements of a cybercrime thriller with a deeper examination of intellectual property within the magic industry. The film explores how piracy affects creators, dealers, and ultimately the future of innovation in magic.

For magicians, the documentary serves as a reminder that behind every trick is a creator who invested significant time, creativity, and resources into developing something new. The film argues that when those creations are stolen and redistributed without permission, it threatens not only individual inventors but the continued growth of the art itself.

Early reactions from Tribeca audiences have been positive, with many praising the documentary's suspenseful storytelling and its look into a side of the magic world rarely seen by the general public.

Stealing Magic is expected to spark important conversations throughout the magic community about ethics, intellectual property, and the ongoing fight against piracy.

Source: Adapted from reporting by IndieWire covering the Tribeca Film Festival premiere of Stealing Magic.

Blacklisted Magician Faces New Legal Challenges Following Casino Cheating Allegations

 

A magician once known for performing under the stage name "Shaun Mistery" is back in the headlines, this time for legal troubles stretching across multiple states.

Shaun Joseph Benward recently appeared in Tahoe Township Justice Court in Nevada as authorities worked through a complicated web of warrants, detainers, and ongoing criminal cases. Prosecutors say the case is connected to an alleged roulette cheating scheme that has drawn the attention of gaming regulators and law enforcement agencies for years.

According to court reports, Benward was brought to Nevada under a governor's warrant. Prosecutors indicated that he currently faces additional warrants in Clark County, Nevada, while also dealing with legal matters tied to a previous conviction in Iowa.

Iowa Conviction

In November 2025, a jury in Lyon County, Iowa, found Benward guilty on multiple felony charges, including money laundering, cheating at gambling, and conspiracy. The case stemmed from an investigation into activities at Grand Falls Casino in Larchwood, Iowa, where authorities alleged that more than $10,000 in improper roulette winnings were obtained through fraudulent means.

Court records show that Benward received concurrent prison sentences totaling 10 years. Investigators also alleged that financial transactions were structured in an effort to avoid federal reporting requirements.

Nevada Gaming Blacklist

Benward's name also appears on the Nevada Gaming Control Board's List of Excluded Persons, commonly referred to as Nevada's casino blacklist. The exclusion order was issued in December 2023.

Reports from gaming industry publications and regulatory hearings have linked Benward to alleged roulette-related incidents at multiple Southern Nevada casinos. Regulators say he had previously been trespassed from numerous casino properties before being formally added to the exclusion list.

Being placed on Nevada's exclusion list bars an individual from entering licensed gaming establishments and can result in criminal consequences if the order is violated.

What's Next?

Authorities say Benward is currently being held under a detainer in Douglas County while Nevada and Iowa officials coordinate jurisdictional matters. Prosecutors indicated that he may be returned to Iowa to begin serving his prison sentence before any remaining Nevada cases are resolved.

In addition to the Iowa conviction, officials noted that Clark County warrants remain active and could be addressed once the detainer process is complete.

As of this writing, no additional public statements have been released regarding the ongoing legal proceedings.

Source: Based on reporting from the Record-Courier, Casino.org, the Iowa Department of Public Safety, the Nevada Gaming Control Board, and CDC Gaming.

Juliana Chen on the World's Greatest Magic 5

 

Penn & Teller perform RatHead on Fool Us

 

18” Treasure Map Silk by Barry Mitchell

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Mat Franco Celebrates 3,000 Performances in Las Vegas

 Las Vegas magician Mat Franco has reached a remarkable career milestone, recently celebrating his 3,000th performance at the LINQ Hotel + Experience in Las Vegas.

Franco launched his residency on August 5, 2015, and has spent more than a decade entertaining audiences with his unique blend of close-up magic, audience interaction, and large-scale illusions. Over the years, the show has become one of the longest-running and most successful magic residencies on the Las Vegas Strip.

The milestone was marked with a celebration alongside members of Franco's team, recognizing the dedication and consistency required to maintain a headline residency for more than ten years.

Franco first rose to national prominence in 2014 when he became the first magician ever to win America's Got Talent. While many reality-show winners enjoy a brief moment in the spotlight, Franco successfully transformed that exposure into a long-term Las Vegas career.

Industry observers often point to several factors behind Franco's success. His strong foundation in sleight-of-hand magic, commitment to continually refining his material, and ability to connect with audiences have helped him remain a popular attraction year after year. His family-friendly style has also broadened his appeal, making the show accessible to visitors of all ages.

Another key factor has been Franco's professionalism and consistency. Maintaining a residency for thousands of performances requires more than talent alone—it demands reliability, strong business relationships, and the ability to keep each performance feeling fresh for audiences seeing the show for the first time.

The achievement comes as Franco continues to look toward the future. Earlier this year, he announced an extension of his residency that is expected to keep him performing at the LINQ through 2030.

With 3,000 performances now behind him and several more years already scheduled ahead, Franco's show remains one of the enduring success stories of modern Las Vegas magic.

Source: Adapted from reporting and commentary by Vital Vegas.