Former NBA Star Gilbert Arenas Arrested on Federal Gambling Charges
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Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas and five others were arrested Wednesday on federal charges alleging they operated an illegal gambling business featuring high-stakes poker games at an Encino mansion owned by Arenas. The 43-year-old former Washington Wizards guard, known as "Agent Zero," faces charges of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators. According to the indictment unsealed by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California, Arenas rented out the mansion for hosting illegal poker games between September 2021 and July 2022.
Among those arrested alongside Arenas was Yevgeni Gershman, 49, described by federal prosecutors as a suspected high-level member of an Israeli transnational organized crime group. The indictment alleges that Gershman and co-defendants managed illegal "Pot Limit Omaha" poker games at the mansion, collected a "rake" fee from each pot, and hired staff including young women who served drinks and provided companionship to players in exchange for tips. The operation included chefs, valets, and armed security guards, with the games discovered during a 2022 law enforcement raid that found approximately 26 players and 12 workers at the location. If convicted, each defendant faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each count.
Sources:
- U.S. Department of Justice, Central District of California - "Former NBA Star, Suspected Israeli Crime Figure Arrested on Federal Indictment Alleging High-Stakes Illegal Poker Games at Encino Mansion"
- NBC Los Angeles - "Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas among 8 busted in gambling ring"
- NBC News - "Gilbert Arenas accused of hosting high-end, illegal poker games at L.A. rental home"
