NBA legend Gilbert Arenas detained for involvement in illicit high-stakes poker tournaments
Former NBA Star Gilbert Arenas Charged with Running Illegal Gambling Ring
Former three-time All-Star Gilbert Arenas, who played 11 seasons in the NBA, most notably with the Washington Wizards, is facing federal charges for his alleged involvement in a high-stakes illegal gambling ring.
The case, which centers on Arenas' alleged operation of an illegal poker business out of a California mansion he owned in Encino, was uncovered during a federal investigation. Arenas is federally charged with one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, one count of operating an illegal gambling business, and one count of making false statements to federal investigators.
According to the indictment, Arenas rented out his Encino mansion specifically to host illegal poker games described as "high-stakes" sessions. A photo included in the indictment shows a gold-trimmed poker table labeled "ARENAS POKER CLUB," branding the operation with his name.
Arenas allegedly directed a co-defendant, Arthur Cats, to stage the mansion for the poker games and collect rent payments from other operators on his behalf. One co-conspirator, Yevgeni Gershman, reportedly connected to an Israeli organized crime group, hired women to serve drinks, offer massages, and provide companionship as part of the poker game experience, monetizing tips from players.
The gambling operation allegedly ran from September 2021 through July 2022. Arenas was arrested alongside five others involved in the ring on July 20, 2022, when the home was raided in the early hours. The indictment alleges that Arenas and co-defendants collected "rake" fees, a percentage of each pot, from poker players at these illegal games.
Prosecutors allege that Arenas attempted to get the seized money back by filing a petition with the US Customs and Border Protection. However, they claim that he falsely told them he was not involved in the gambling that was taking place at his home.
Arenas' attorney, Jerome Friedberg, said outside the courthouse that he had not had much time to speak with his client and couldn't comment on the case. No lawyers for the other defendants were listed in court documents on Wednesday afternoon.
Yevgeni Gershman, Evgenni Tourevski, Allan Austria, Yarin Cohen, and Ievgen Krachun are also accused of being involved in the illegal gambling scheme. Arthur Kats, 51, is accused of staging the illegal gambling games at Arenas' home.
Arenas posted a video on Instagram saying "Can't hold me, baby. They can't hold me." and claimed he was not involved in the festivities. However, the evidence presented in the indictment paints a different picture, suggesting a coordinated effort to run a lucrative illegal gambling business out of a private residence, with Arenas playing a central role in organizing and profiting from the operation.
[1] Los Angeles Times
[2] ESPN
[3] CBS Sports
[1] The former NBA star, Gilbert Arenas, faces federal charges for his alleged involvement in a high-stakes illegal gambling ring as reported by Los Angeles Times.[2] The gambling operation, which reportedly ran from September 2021 through July 2022, also involved illegal casino games, as detailed by ESPN.[3] The indictment against Arenas includes charges of operating an illegal gambling business, one of the many illegal activities often associated with casinos and gambling, according to CBS Sports.[4] In general news, the case of the alleged crime and justice matter involving an NBA legend, Gilbert Arenas, is making headlines, highlighting the blurred lines between sports and crime as reported by various sources.
