Gilbert Arenas, former NBA All-Star, has been charged with operating a high-stakes illegal poker ring from his Los Angeles-area mansion, federal prosecutors announced this week.
The 43-year-old, best known by his nickname “Agent Zero” during his 11-season NBA career, faces three federal charges: operating an illegal gambling business, conspiracy, and making false statements to investigators.
Arenas pleaded not guilty during a court appearance on Wednesday and was released on a $50,000 bond. He is one of six people charged in the case, including Yevgeni Gershman, an alleged Israeli organized crime figure, who allegedly managed staff and recruited women for the events.
Poker Ring Allegations
Prosecutors say that from September 2021 to July 2022, Arenas rented out his Encino mansion for underground poker games. He allegedly took a “rake”—a percentage of the pot—making the games illegal under California law.
Arenas reportedly instructed co-defendants to prepare the house, handle money, and manage staff, including chefs, valets, armed security, and hostesses. Evidence includes text messages and a custom poker table bearing Arenas’s name and image.
Gershman Faces Additional Charges
Co-defendant Yevgeni Gershman faces separate immigration and marriage fraud charges, with authorities labeling him a “suspected organized crime figure.” Other charged individuals include Evgenni Tourevski (48), Allan Austria (52), Yarin Cohen (27), and Ievgen Krachun (43).
Past Legal Troubles
This isn’t Arenas’s first run-in with the law. In 2010, he was convicted of illegal gun possession after pulling a firearm during a locker room argument over a card game with the Washington Wizards.
Arenas last played in the NBA in 2012 and more recently became a podcast host. His trial is scheduled for September 23, and if convicted on all counts, he could face up to 15 years in prison.
