Gilbert Arenas Facing Allegations of Hosting Exclusive Illegal Poker Games in L.A. Mansion

Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas is in hot water for allegedly running illegal high-stakes poker games at a house in Los Angeles. Alongside several others, he faces serious charges linked to games held from September 2021 to July 2022.

Prosecutors say Arenas rented a property in Encino, a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley, to host these games. While playing poker for cash isn’t illegal, they crossed the line by collecting a fee, or “rake,” from players. This fee could either be a percentage of the pot or a set amount per hand. In fact, the poker setup even featured a custom felt with “ARENAS POKER CLUB” emblazoned alongside his famous number, zero.

Arenas pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and was released on a $50,000 bond. He had a notable NBA career, especially known for his scoring prowess in the mid-2000s, averaging impressive points per game during several seasons.

Alongside Arenas, others charged include Yevgeni Gershman and Evgenni Tourevski, among others. They faced accusations related to conspiracy and illegal gambling. Interestingly, authorities also accused Gershman and another defendant of entering into a fake marriage to dodge U.S. immigration laws, revealing a twisted layer to this already striking story.

The poker games reportedly catered well to players. Gershman allegedly hired young women to serve drinks and massage the guests, creating a lavish atmosphere. In return, he—and a few others—would charge these women a portion of their tips, highlighting the entire operation’s organized nature.

According to recent data from the gambling industry, underground poker games have seen a resurgence amid pandemic restrictions, reflecting wider trends in how people seek entertainment and social interaction. With approximately 52% of Americans now participating in some form of online or physical gaming, illegal setups are becoming increasingly viable—yet risky ventures.

As this story unfolds, many are curious about its implications for Arenas’ legacy as an athlete and whether this will mark a significant downturn in his post-basketball life.



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