Feds Say Gilbert Arenas Was Running an Illegal Poker Night Out of His Crib—Now Facing Serious Charges

Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas is in serious legal trouble after federal prosecutors hit him with multiple charges tied to an illegal gambling operation allegedly run out of his Encino mansion in Southern California, according to TMZ.

According to court documents filed Wednesday, the 43-year-old former Washington Wizards guard teamed up with five other individuals to host high-stakes poker nights at his home from September 2021 to July 2022.
The feds say he hired a 51-year-old assistant to help set up the lavish environment and collect rent from the hosts. Guests were treated to personal chefs, valets, female servers, and security guards, all to elevate the experience for big-money gamblers.

Prosecutors allege the group made money by taking a rake from each pot, a common tactic in underground card games.

THE CHARGES:
Arenas and the other five suspects are facing:
One count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business
One count of operating an illegal gambling business

Each charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.

He’s also facing an extra count of making false statements to federal investigators.