Gilbert Arenas and Five Others Indicted for Hosting Illegal Poker Games

Los Angeles - Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas, along with five other individuals, has been charged with running illegal high-stakes poker games at his residence in Los Angeles, according to federal prosecutors. The group faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and actual operation of such a business.

Arenas, who is 43 years old and known by the nickname 'Agent Zero' from his time with the Washington Wizards, was arrested along with a suspected member of an Israeli organized crime syndicate. They were taken into custody following an investigation that revealed illegal gambling activities occurring at Arenas' mansion.

During an arraignment held in downtown Los Angeles, Arenas pleaded not guilty to the charges and was subsequently released on a $50,000 bond. His trial is set to commence on September 23.

Arenas' attorney stated that he had limited time to discuss the case with his client but emphasized that Arenas is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The five additional defendants, all residents of Los Angeles, range in age from 27 to 52 years old. Among them is a 49-year-old man identified by prosecutors as being connected to organized crime in Israel.

The indictment outlines that from September 2021 to July 2022, the defendants orchestrated poker games featuring 'Pot Limit Omaha' and other forms of illegal gambling at the Encino neighborhood home. Participants in these games were reportedly subjected to a 'rake,' a fee deducted from each hand played.

Additionally, one of the defendants allegedly employed young women to serve drinks and provide massages to the players, with the women required to pay a portion of their earnings as a 'tax' for their services during the games. The operation further involved hiring chefs, valets, and armed security personnel to manage the events.

Prosecutors have indicated that the Israeli individual faces further legal challenges, including charges related to marriage fraud and false immigration statements, as he is suspected of attempting to secure permanent residency in the United States through a fraudulent marriage.

If convicted, each defendant could potentially face a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each charge. Arenas, who had an 11-year NBA career marked by both impressive performances and controversy, averaged 20.7 points per game, particularly excelling during his tenure with the Wizards.

His career was notably marred by a 2010 incident involving firearms in the locker room with a teammate, leading to suspensions and ultimately affecting his standing in the league. Following his time in the NBA, Arenas briefly played overseas but has not returned to professional basketball.

Currently, Arenas' son, Alijah Arenas, is a promising basketball talent at the University of Southern California. However, his college career is currently paused due to an impending knee surgery, which is expected to require several months of rehabilitation.