Gilbert Arenas Arrested in Connection with Illegal Poker Games

Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas was arrested on Wednesday along with five other individuals. The arrests were made on suspicion of hosting illegal high-stakes poker games at a Los Angeles mansion owned by Arenas. Among the other individuals arrested was a suspected member of an Israeli organized crime group.

All six defendants are facing charges of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and operating an illegal gambling business. Arenas is also charged with making false statements to federal investigators. He is referred to in the indictment by his nickname, Agent Zero, which he acquired during his playing career with the Washington Wizards.

Arenas appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was released on a US$50,000 bond, and his trial is scheduled for September 23. His attorney stated that his client is presumed innocent and should be treated as such.

The other five defendants are residents of Los Angeles, ranging in age from 27 to 52. One of them is a 49-year-old man described by prosecutors as a suspected organized crime figure from Israel. The indictment alleges that from September 2021 to July 2022, the defendants organized "Pot Limit Omaha" poker games and other illegal gambling activities at the mansion. Players were charged a "rake," a fee taken from each hand gambled.

According to prosecutors, young women were hired to serve drinks, provide massages, and offer companionship to the poker players in exchange for tips. These women were also charged a percentage of their earnings. The games also employed chefs, valets, and armed security guards. The Israeli man faces additional charges, including marriage fraud and lying on immigration documents. He is suspected of conspiring with a Los Angeles woman to enter into a sham marriage to obtain permanent legal status in the U.S.

If convicted, the defendants could face a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each count.

During his 11-year NBA career, Arenas averaged 20.7 points per game, most notably during his time with the Washington Wizards. He was a three-time All-Star known for his scoring ability. His career with the Wizards ended in controversy after a locker-room incident involving guns. He was suspended and later traded. He played briefly for other teams before ending his NBA career.

Arenas' son, Alijah Arenas, is a highly regarded freshman basketball player at the University of Southern California. His college career is currently on hold due to a knee injury.