Ex-NBA Star Gilbert Arenas Arrested in Illegal Poker Ring Case

Ex-NBA star Gilbert Arenas was arrested on suspicion of running a high-stakes illegal poker operation out of his Los Angeles-area home, federal prosecutors announced.

The 43-year-old former Washington Wizards All-Star now faces charges of conspiracy, illegal gambling, and lying to federal investigators. From September 2021 to July 2022, Arenas allegedly rented out his Encino mansion for poker nights, directing associates to manage operations, collect house cuts, and prepare the venue for exclusive events.

One of his co-defendants, identified by prosecutors as a suspected organized crime figure from Israel, reportedly hired women to serve drinks and offer companionship, charging them a cut of their earnings.

Authorities say the defendants also hired chefs, valets, and armed guards for the events. Evidence includes text messages and a poker table branded “Arenas Poker Club.”

Arenas pleaded not guilty and was released on a $50,000 bond. He is due in court in September and faces up to 15 years if convicted.

Known during his playing career as “Agent Zero,” Arenas retired in 2012 and has since hosted a basketball podcast. This is not his first run-in with the law; he previously faced charges for bringing a gun into an NBA locker room in 2010.