NBA Star Gilbert Arenas Arrested in Illegal Poker Operation Probe

Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas was arrested on Wednesday in connection with a high-stakes illegal poker operation allegedly run from a luxury mansion in suburban Los Angeles, prosecutors said. Arenas, 43, was taken into custody alongside six other individuals, including suspected Israeli crime figure Yevgeni Gershman, who is accused of orchestrating a sophisticated gambling enterprise that reportedly operated from September 2021 to July 2022. The mansion, located on Gable Drive in Encino, served as the venue for Pot-Limit Omaha games, which reportedly featured hired chefs, armed guards, valets, and a custom poker table labeled “Arenas Poker Club” [1].

According to court records, the operation allegedly involved a rake system—where a percentage of each pot was collected—along with a 25% to 35% “tax” on earnings from hired women who provided services such as cocktail service, massages, and “companionship” to players. The women were allegedly required to pay this fee to work at the games. One of the defendants, Yevgeni Gershman, is said to have communicated in code with a woman in May 2022, asking if she was available to provide services at the poker games [1].

Arenas has claimed he was unaware of the illegal gambling taking place at his rented property. However, prosecutors allege he was aware of the games and even considered filming a YouTube episode for his channel, which has over one million subscribers. Federal agents raided the mansion in July 2022, and at that point, Arenas reportedly attempted to distance himself from the operation, claiming he “was not involved in whatever was going on at the party” [1].

The alleged enterprise was managed by a crew of six individuals, each playing a distinct role. Arthur Kats, 51, is accused of acting as a go-between, collecting rent and organizing game nights. Evgenni Tourevski, 48, allegedly arranged dealers, while Allan Austria, 52, is said to have managed security, bringing in armed guards and sharing real-time photos of ongoing games. Yarin Cohen, 27, reportedly handled financial data, and Ievgen Krachun, 43, acted as a “chip runner,” tracking wins and losses and distributing poker chips [1].

The legal ramifications for the defendants could be severe, with each facing potential prison sentences of at least five years if convicted. The case highlights the growing attention on private gambling operations that operate beyond the reach of law enforcement. While private poker games are legal in some forms, those involving large sums of money, hired staff, and a rake system cross into criminal territory [1].

Arenas, who played 11 seasons in the NBA and later built a media career, has a history of legal issues, including a 2011 gun-related incident. His latest arrest has drawn renewed scrutiny of his conduct and raised questions about the role of high-profile individuals in facilitating or benefiting from illicit activities. The case also underscores the challenges authorities face in regulating illegal gambling rings that operate within exclusive and private settings [1].

Source:

[1] Los Angeles Times (@latimes) - https://www.instagram.com/latimes/