Gilbert Arenas Charged in Alleged Illegal Poker Operation

Federal prosecutors have indicted former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, accusing him of running a high-stakes, unlicensed poker ring from a Los Angeles mansion.

Good to Know

• Arenas and five co-defendants face conspiracy and illegal gambling charges.
• Prosecutors allege the group hosted Pot-Limit Omaha games with a per-hand fee.
• Arenas also faces a separate charge of making false statements to investigators.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, Arenas allegedly rented his Encino property between September 2021 and July 2022 for use as a private poker venue. Prosecutors claim he directed an associate to manage the setup and collected rent from those organizing the sessions.

Lavish Set-Up and Alleged Rake Collection

While private poker games are legal, taking a “rake” — or cut from each pot — is not. Prosecutors say co-defendants Evgenni Tourevski, Allan Austria, Yarin Cohen, Ievgen Krachun, and Yevgeni Gershman managed the games, collected fees, and operated what was effectively a full-scale gambling business.

Authorities described the gatherings as luxurious events featuring chefs, security personnel, and branded “Arenas Poker Club” tables. Prosecutors also allege that Gershman recruited young women to serve drinks, provide massages, and socialize with players, requiring them to pay a portion of their earnings as a “tax.”

Charges and Potential Penalties

All six defendants are charged with conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and operating an illegal gambling business. Arenas faces an additional count of making false statements to federal agents, while Gershman also faces charges of marriage fraud and falsifying immigration documents.

If convicted, each gambling-related count carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The defendants are expected to make their first court appearances in the coming weeks.

Arenas’ History with Poker and Controversy

Arenas, nicknamed “Agent Zero,” has long been associated with poker. He competed in the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure Main Event in 2014 and appeared in a $100/$200/$200 Pot-Limit Omaha stream on Hustler Casino Live in 2022.

His name previously surfaced in controversy in 2009, when he brought unloaded firearms into the Washington Wizards locker room after a dispute over a card game. He later pled guilty to a felony gun charge and was suspended for the remainder of that NBA season.

FAQ

What is Gilbert Arenas accused of?

He is accused of helping organize illegal poker games and collecting rent from the group that ran them.

Who else is involved?

Five others — Evgenni Tourevski, Allan Austria, Yarin Cohen, Ievgen Krachun, and Yevgeni Gershman — face related gambling charges.

What penalties could Arenas face?

Each gambling count carries up to five years in prison, while additional charges could increase his exposure.

Has Arenas been linked to poker before?

Yes. He has publicly participated in major tournaments and cash games for years.

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