Former NBA Star Gilbert Arenas Arrested Over High-Stakes Illegal Poker Ring In Los Angeles

Gilbert Arenas, a former NBA All-Star, was arrested along with five others, including Yevgeni Gershman, a suspected high-level member of an Israeli organized crime group, for operating an illegal high-stakes poker business at Arenas' Encino mansion. The defendants are charged with conspiracy and operating an illegal gambling business, with Arenas also facing charges of making false statements to federal investigators. The indictment alleges that Arenas rented out his mansion from September 2021 to July 2022 for hosting "Pot Limit Omaha" poker games, with co-conspirators managing the operation and collecting fees from players. The operation included hiring young women who served drinks, provided massages, and companionship to players in exchange for tips, which were taxed as a percentage of their earnings. Additional staff such as chefs, valets, armed security, and a chip runner were employed to facilitate the illegal games. If convicted, the defendants face up to five years in federal prison for each count.