Former Washington Wizards star player, "Agent Zero" Gilbert Arenas, has been arrested along with five other men for allegedly participating in illegal poker gambling activities in Los Angeles, facing three federal charges. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison for each charge.
According to the indictment, although Arenas did not directly manage the gambling operations, he is accused of renting out his mansion in Encino, California, to host high-stakes pot-limit Omaha poker games. The prosecution charges him with conspiring to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators.
The other defendants are involved in deeper operations, including managing the games, collecting rakes, hiring women to provide drinks, massages, and companionship services in exchange for tips, and even "taxing" the tips. One defendant, Yevgeny Gershman, is believed to be associated with organized crime networks in Israel and has been under law enforcement scrutiny for a long time. Another defendant is referred to as the "chip smuggler."
It is noteworthy that investigators found tablecloths printed with "Arenas Poker Club" and jerseys with the "Arenas" logo at the game site, reinforcing Arenas' connection to the gambling activities.
While poker entertainment activities within private residences are not illegal in the United States, involvement in raking, commissions, and organized operations may violate federal and state gambling laws.
This is another gambling-related incident involving the NBA in 2025. Previously, player Malik Beasley was also investigated for alleged betting activities related to games, sparking renewed public attention to the intersection of professional sports and gambling.
