Three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas is embroiled in controversy related to allegations of operating an illegal gambling business involving poker games collecting a rake.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, Arenas and five other defendants were arrested on Wednesday for allegedly holding high-stakes poker games at a mansion Arenas owned in Los Angeles. Arenas, drafted out of Arizona by the Golden State Warriors in 2001, is charged with one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, one count of operating an illegal gambling business and making false statements to federal investigators. The other defendants in the case range between the ages of 27 and 53, with one being a suspected member of an Israeli crime group.
Arenas allegedly rented out the mansion to host the high-stakes poker games. He allegedly collected rent from the co-conspirators who staged and hosted the games.
Arenas allegedly hosts illegal Pot Limit Omaha games
The former NBA star allegedly hosted Pot Limit Omaha poker games and other illegal games between September 2021 and July 2022.
Pot Limit Omaha is a poker variant that provides players with plenty of action through the distribution of four hole cards instead of two compared to Texas Hold’Em
Arenas allegedly hosted the illegal poker games by collecting a rake from each pot. Poker games held outside of commercial establishments are only deemed illegal if a rake or a fee is collected.
The alleged illegal poker games at Arenas’ residence were staffed with chip runners and women who served drinks and provided other services for tips. The co-conspirators also allegedly hired chefs, valets and armed security guards to accommodate players.
Arenas, who rose to NBA stardom while playing with the Washington Wizards, faces a statutory maximum five-year sentence in federal prison for each count he is charged.
In 2010, Arenas pleaded guilty to carrying a gun without a license in D.C. after bringing guns to the Wizards’ home arena after being provoked by a teammate. He was sentenced to one month in a halfway house, two years of probation and community service.
Five years later, Arenas was placed on probation after being arrested with 100 pounds of illegal explosives for fireworks. He received over $41,000 in fees and penalties.
Wednesday evening, Arenas posted on X denying involvement with the scheme.
Immigration issue tied to alleged gambling operation
Arenas found himself in a gambling-related federal indictment that involves immigration.
Yevgeni Gershman, the Israeli co-conspirator who is allegedly involved in organized crime, received three additional charges for allegedly conspiring with a woman to “enter into a sham marriage” to receive permanent legal status as an immigrant in the U.S.
Gershman allegedly lied to immigration authorities and submitted false information.
Gil’s Arena secures extension with Underdog
Arenas is being tied to alleged illegal gambling as a partner of Underdog.
Earlier this year, Arenas’ live daily show Gil’s Arena agreed to a multiyear contract extension with Underdog. Since its launch, the show has garnered over 500 million views on YouTube and has surpassed more than 1.1 million subscribers.
SBC Americas reached out to Underdog and the company declined to comment on Arenas.
Gil’s Arena, which had its last post on YouTube two days ago, also features appearances by former NBA players Nick Young, Kenyon Martin and Brandon Jennings.
