Gilbert Arenas Indicted Over Alleged Illegal Poker Ring With Israeli Crime Figure

Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas has been indicted alongside five others, including a suspected member of an Israeli organized crime group, for allegedly operating an illegal high-stakes poker business from a Los Angeles mansion he owned. Federal prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the charges, stating that all six defendants face one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and one count of operating an illegal gambling business [1]. Arenas, 43, was also charged with making false statements to investigators and was referred to in the indictment as “Agent Zero,” a nickname he used during his time with the Washington Wizards [1].

Arenas appeared in court on Wednesday, where he pleaded not guilty and was released on a $50,000 bond. His trial is scheduled for September 23. His attorney, Jerome Friedberg, declined to comment on the case, noting that his client has not yet had much time to discuss the matter and emphasizing the presumption of innocence [1].

Among the co-defendants is a 49-year-old man identified as a suspected organized crime figure from Israel. He is also facing separate charges, including marriage fraud and providing false information on immigration documents [1]. The indictment alleges that from September 2021 to July 2022, the group used a home in Encino to host illegal Pot Limit Omaha poker games, with participants paying a “rake,” or a fee per hand. Court documents further state that young women were hired to serve drinks and provide companionship to players, and they were charged a “tax” on their earnings. The operation also employed chefs, valets, and armed security staff [1].

If convicted, each defendant could receive a maximum of five years in federal prison for each count [1]. Arenas, who averaged 20.7 points over an 11-year NBA career, was known for his charisma and scoring ability, but also for his volatile behavior. In 2010, he was suspended for the remainder of the season after a locker room incident where he and a teammate brandished firearms at each other. After a brief return to the NBA, he played in China before retiring.

The case has drawn attention due to the alleged involvement of an international suspect and the presence of a high-profile athlete at the center of the alleged operation. It also highlights the increasing focus on high-stakes gambling operations and their potential connections to organized crime networks [1]. The indictment underscores the complexity of such enterprises, involving a wide range of services and support staff, all operating under the guise of a private poker game.

Source: [1] https://fortune.com/2025/07/30/gilbert-arenas-indictment-poker-game-israel-organized-crime/