Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas has been arrested and charged with running a high-stakes illegal poker ring out of his Los Angeles-area mansion, according to a federal indictment unsealed Wednesday. The 43-year-old, best known for his playing days with the Washington Wizards and his nickname “Agent Zero,” now faces three federal charges: operating an illegal gambling business, conspiracy, and making false statements to federal investigators.
Arenas pleaded not guilty during a court appearance and was released on a $50,000 bond. He is scheduled to stand trial on 23 September and could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted on all counts.
Prosecutors allege that from September 2021 to July 2022, Arenas allowed his Encino mansion to be used for high-stakes poker games, where organizers collected a “rake” — a portion of each pot — in violation of California gambling laws. According to federal law, poker becomes illegal in the state when the house takes a cut.
The indictment outlines a detailed and organized operation involving five co-defendants: Yevgeni Gershman, described as a “suspected organized crime figure from Israel,” Evgenni Tourevski, Allan Austria, Yarin Cohen, and Ievgen Krachun. The group is accused of preparing the venue, recruiting staff, and managing logistics for the illicit games.
Prosecutors say Mr. Gershman hired young women to serve drinks, give massages, and offer companionship to players during the games. The women were tipped by players but also required to pay a “tax” to the organizers. Chefs, valets, and armed guards were also allegedly hired to support the operation and maintain security at the property.
Text messages obtained by investigators reportedly show direct involvement from Arenas, including a photograph of a custom poker table bearing his name and image, labeled “Arenas Poker Club.” This image, according to prosecutors, was presented as evidence that Arenas was not only aware of but branding the enterprise.
In sworn statements following the July 2022 raid on his home, Arenas claimed he had no knowledge of gambling activities taking place at the property. However, authorities say he subsequently filed a petition to reclaim cash and property seized during the raid, undermining his original claims.
This is not the first time Arenas has found himself at the center of controversy involving gambling and criminal activity. In 2010, while playing for the Washington Wizards, Arenas was charged with illegal gun possession after a locker room incident involving a firearm during a dispute over a card game. He later pleaded guilty and received probation.
Arenas retired from professional basketball in 2012 after 11 seasons, during which he played for the Golden State Warriors, Washington Wizards, Orlando Magic, and Memphis Grizzlies. Since retirement, he has remained a prominent figure in basketball media, most recently as host of the podcast Gil’s Arena, where he discusses NBA topics with former players and guests.
The case against Arenas and his alleged co-conspirators raises questions about the intersections of celebrity, gambling, and criminal activity. Prosecutors are treating the charges seriously, particularly due to alleged connections with organized crime and the scope of the operation.
While some fans of Arenas may see this as another chapter in his unpredictable post-basketball life, the legal consequences could be far more severe. With trial approaching and the federal government pursuing maximum penalties, the former NBA star could be facing the most challenging fight of his life — this time, not on the hardwood, but in a courtroom.
