Gilbert Arenas Busted: Ex-NBA Star Linked to Secret High-Stakes Poker Ring

 Former NBA Star Gilbert Arenas Accused of Running High-Stakes Illegal Poker Ring in Los Angeles

Gilbert Arenas, a former NBA All-Star known for his electrifying performances on the court, has found himself at the center of a serious federal investigation. The 43-year-old ex-basketball star has been arrested and charged for allegedly operating a secret high-stakes poker ring from a mansion in Encino, a neighborhood in the Los Angeles area.

Arenas, along with five other individuals, is facing multiple federal charges, including running an unauthorized gambling business and providing false information to federal investigators. One of the co-defendants, Yevgeni Gershman, has been identified by authorities as a suspected member of an international organized crime network based in Israel.

According to court documents unsealed on Wednesday, Arenas has pleaded not guilty to all charges and was released from custody after posting a $50,000 bond. His trial is currently scheduled for September 23.

🔍 Allegations of Underground Poker Operations

• Prosecutors allege that between September 2021 and July 2022, Arenas allowed his luxury home to be used for illicit poker games. These events weren’t casual gatherings among friends — they were well-organized operations complete with professional staff.

• Arenas allegedly instructed his co-defendants to set up the property for gaming nights, collect a "rake" (a cut from each pot), and maintain tight control over the event logistics. This "rake" made the entire operation illegal under California law, which prohibits poker games that generate profits for organizers.

• The events were reportedly attended by high-rolling players and involved not only poker but a full-blown entertainment setup — including chefs, valets, armed security, and young women hired to serve drinks, offer massages, and provide companionship in return for tips. Prosecutors claim that these women were required to pay a “service fee” to participate, creating yet another layer of illicit profit.

🕵️‍♂️ Organized Crime Links & More Defendants

Gershman, the suspected Israeli crime figure, is also being prosecuted separately for immigration and marriage fraud. Other individuals named in the indictment include:

Evgenni Tourevski, 48

Allan Austria, 52

Yarin Cohen, 27

Ievgen Krachun, 43

The group is accused of orchestrating a well-funded and structured illegal gambling network, with Arenas allegedly playing a central role in its operations.

📸 Evidence & Denial

In the investigation, federal agents uncovered text messages and photographs, including one image showing a custom poker table labeled “Arenas Poker Club”, featuring Gilbert Arenas’s name and face — a piece of evidence that directly contradicts his claims of ignorance about the operation.

Despite this, Arenas has denied any involvement, reportedly telling authorities he had no knowledge of gambling taking place in his residence. In fact, after federal agents raided the property in July 2022, Arenas filed a motion seeking the return of cash and assets seized during the operation.

🏀 A Fall from Grace

Gilbert Arenas, once a fan-favorite and three-time NBA All-Star, had a vibrant career that spanned over a decade. He played for teams including the Golden State Warriors, Washington Wizards, Orlando Magic, and Memphis Grizzlies. Known as “Agent Zero” during his peak, Arenas was one of the league's top scorers in the mid-2000s.

After retiring from professional basketball in 2012, he remained in the public eye through his podcast, "Gil's Arena," where he and other former players discuss NBA topics and sports culture.

This is not Arenas’s first brush with the law. In 2010, he made headlines after pulling a firearm during a locker room dispute involving a card game, leading to charges of illegal gun possession. He was sentenced to probation for that incident.

⚖️ What’s Next?

If convicted on all current federal charges, Arenas could face up to 15 years in federal prison. The case has attracted widespread attention due to his celebrity status and the alleged ties to international crime networks.

The outcome of the trial in September could determine not only the legal fate of Arenas but also serve as a high-profile example of the consequences of unregulated underground gambling.