From NBA Courts to Courtrooms: Gilbert Arenas Faces Charges Over Illegal Poker Operation
Gilbert Arenas, a three-time NBA All-Star known for his successful basketball career and his affinity for poker, has found himself in the spotlight once again, but this time for all the wrong reasons. The former Washington Wizards player was arrested on Wednesday, facing federal charges related to operating illegal poker games at his Los Angeles mansion.
The United States Attorney’s Office in the Central District of California claims that Arenas hosted high-stakes Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) poker games. These games took place at his Encino mansion from September 2021 to July 2022. The indictment, recently unsealed, names co-conspirators. They include Evgenni Tourevski, Allan Austria, Yarin Cohen, Ievgen Krachun, and Yevgeni Gershman. Gershman is suspected of ties to Israeli organised crime.
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The Alleged Poker Operation
Private poker games are not illegal by themselves. However, the law forbids taking a cut from the pots, known as a “rake.” The indictment claims that Arenas was involved in directing the operation of the mansion. He also allegedly collected rent from co-conspirators. Gershman and his associates are said to have managed the illegal PLO games. They reportedly took a rake from every hand played.
The operation was described as luxurious and exclusive. It featured personal chefs, valets, armed security, and specially designed poker tables branded with “Arenas Poker Club.” The poker games were so extravagant that they included hired women. These women served drinks, offered massages, and provided companionship. They were also taxed on their earnings from the games.
The Legal Fallout
Arenas and his co-conspirators are charged with conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and operating an illegal gambling business. Additionally, Arenas faces a charge of making false statements to investigators. If convicted, each defendant could face a maximum sentence of five years in prison for each charge.
The legal troubles surrounding Arenas are not new. The former NBA star has had previous run-ins with the law involving poker. In 2009, Arenas was involved in a locker room altercation with former teammate Jarvaris Crittendon over a poker debt, which led to Arenas bringing unloaded firearms into the Washington Wizards’ locker room. He pleaded guilty to felony gun charges and was suspended for the remainder of the 2009-2010 NBA season.
Arenas’ Longstanding Affection for Poker
Arenas has long been an advocate for poker, and his skills at the table have been well documented. In 2014, he participated in the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) Main Event in The Bahamas, where his poker abilities were praised by professionals. Fast forward to 2022, and Arenas appeared on the Hustler Casino Live stream for a PLO game with stakes as high as $100/$200/$200, further cementing his love for the game.
While his enthusiasm for poker has earned him recognition in the poker community, it has also brought him trouble, both on and off the court.
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Conclusion
Gilbert Arenas’ legal troubles regarding illegal poker games serve as a stark reminder of the risks involved in the world of high-stakes gambling. While poker remains a popular pastime for many, the line between legal and illegal activities is clearly drawn, and crossing it can lead to serious consequences. As the case against Arenas progresses, it will be interesting to see how this chapter of his life unfolds and whether his love for poker will continue to play a role in his future.
FAQs
1. Why was Gilbert Arenas arrested?
Arenas was arrested for allegedly hosting high-stakes illegal poker games at his Los Angeles mansion, with charges of operating an illegal gambling business and conspiracy.
2. What is a ‘raked’ poker game?
A raked poker game involves the house taking a fee from each pot, either as a percentage or a fixed amount, which is illegal unless properly licensed.
3. How long could Arenas face in prison if convicted?
Arenas and his co-conspirators could face up to five years in prison for each charge they are convicted of.
4. Is poker legal to play in private settings?
Private poker games are legal, but collecting a rake (taking a percentage of the pot) without proper licensing is illegal.
5. Has Gilbert Arenas faced legal issues in the past?
Yes, in 2009, Arenas was involved in a gun-related incident over a poker debt, leading to a felony charge and a suspension from the NBA.
Content Courtesy: NBC News
