Ex-NBA Star Gilbert Arenas Arrested in Alleged Illegal Poker Ring
Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas and associates accused of operating an illicit high-stakes poker club from his LA-area mansion, facing federal charges and potential prison time.
Allegations and Charges
Former NBA point guard Gilbert Arenas, 43, was arrested on federal charges alleging he ran an illegal poker operation from his Encino, California, mansion alongside five co-defendants, including a suspected Israeli organized crime figure.
He faces three counts: operating an illegal gambling business and making false statements to investigators.
The Poker Ring Operation
Between September 2021 and July 2022, prosecutors say Arenas rented his home for high-stakes poker games, instructed associates to prepare the venue and collect a rake—a fee from each pot.
Co-defendant Yevgeni Gershman allegedly arranged staff, including servers and security, in exchange for tips and imposed a "tax" on female hosts.
Evidence cited in the indictment included texts and a photo of a poker table labeled "Arenas Poker Club".
Legal History and Potential Penalties
Arenas pleaded not guilty and was released on a $50,000 bond. His trial is set for September 23; if convicted on all counts, he faces up to 15 years in prison. In 2010, he pleaded guilty to a gun possession charge after drawing a firearm during a card game.
Prosecutors allege that Arenas leveraged his celebrity status to host lucrative poker games at his estate, masking the operation with luxury services and a structured house rake.
This topic was reported by BBC News.
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