Federal prosecutors charged a former NBA All-Star, Gilbert Arenas, in connection with an apparent illegal gambling ring based out of a rented Encino, California mansion.
The Department of Justice charged Arenas with conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, running an illegal gambling business and making false statements to federal authorities.
Key takeaways
- Gilbert Arenas is facing federal charges over an alleged illegal poker operation run out of a California home he rented.
- Co-defendants are accused of organizing the games, profiting from the proceeds, and managing hired entertainers.
- The indictment ties the gambling ring to suspected organized crime figures and outlines a sophisticated operation.
According to a federal indictment unsealed Wednesday, Arenas allegedly instructed co-defendant Arthur Kats to coordinate and stage high-stakes poker games at the rented property. Prosecutors allege Kats prepared the residence and collected rent from a group of other men accused of helping run the gambling ring.
The individuals named in the indictment include Yevgeni Gershman, described by authorities as a suspected organized crime associate from Israel, as well as Evgenni Tourevski, Allan Austria, Yarin Cohen, and Ievgen Krachun.
The indictment claims the co-defendants were responsible for collecting rake from each poker prize pool, recruiting players, and hiring young women to serve drinks, provide massages, and socialize with the gamblers. The group also allegedly collected a portion of the women's earnings.
No attorneys were listed for Arenas or his co-defendants in court filings Wednesday. The case is being prosecuted in Los Angeles federal court. Arenas, 43, is best known for his tenure with the Washington Wizards and currently hosts a basketball podcast titled Gil's Arena, which fantasy sports operator Underdog Fantasy extended in January.
Marcus Morris jailed, released over casino debt warrants
The news surrounding Arenas follows closely on the heels of another former NBA player's legal issues, as Marcus Morris Sr. returned home Wednesday after spending more than two days in a Florida jail. The 34-year-old was arrested Sunday at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport over unpaid debts he owed to two Las Vegas casinos.
Court documents from Nevada revealed Morris was wanted on multiple felony charges, including passing checks over $1,200 with intent to defraud and theft of more than $100,000. During a Tuesday hearing in Broward County, prosecutors confirmed the arrest warrants related to casino markers worth more than $100,000 each.
Morris addressed the incident on Instagram, stating he had "to sit for 51 hours no bail" and was unaware non-payment could lead to arrest. He acknowledged the debt and said a "large payment" was wired to resolve the issue.
A Florida prosecutor told the court Nevada authorities might consider dropping the warrants if Morris paid the debts. While Morris was initially held without bond, his release was expected once Nevada confirmed receipt of the funds and the case status changed.
Morris played 11 seasons in the NBA, including time with the L.A. Clippers, Boston Celtics, and N.Y. Knicks.
