By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas has been arrested on federal charges alleging his involvement in an illegal gambling operation centered around high-stakes poker games at a mansion he owned in Encino, California, as announced by the United States Department of Justice.
According to a federal indictment unsealed on Tuesday, Arenas, 43, is accused of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators. The charges stem from activity that allegedly took place between September 2021 and July 2022.
Federal authorities say Arenas rented out his Encino property to host illegal “Pot Limit Omaha” poker games. Prosecutors allege the operation charged a fee, known as a “rake,” from each hand played, and the events included staff such as chefs, security guards, and servers.
Arenas, who last played in the NBA in 2012, was known by his nickname “Agent Zero” and spent most of his career with the Washington Wizards. He is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles.
If convicted, he could face up to five years in federal prison for each count.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the IRS Criminal Investigation unit.