Gilbert Arenas Arrested in Federal Gambling Probe

Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas was arrested Wednesday following a federal indictment accusing him of hosting illegal high-stakes poker games at his Encino, California mansion. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Central California announced that Arenas faces charges including conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, running an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators.

The indictment claims the operation ran from September 2021 to July 2022. Authorities allege that Arenas rented out his home for poker events, while an associate organized the setup, recruited hosts, and collected payments on Arenas’ behalf.

Among those indicted is Yevgeni “Giora” Gershman, alleged to be a high-level figure in an Israeli crime syndicate. Prosecutors say Gershman and others facilitated illegal “Pot Limit Omaha” poker games, taking a percentage of each pot. These lavish events featured chefs, valets, armed security, and young women who served drinks, gave massages, and offered companionship for tips—tips that were partially collected by the hosts.

The identities of the poker players involved have not been disclosed, and officials have declined further comment.

Arenas, 43, is expected to appear in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on Wednesday. If convicted, he could face up to five years in federal prison for each charge.

This isn’t Arenas’ first brush with gambling-related controversy. In 2009, he and teammate Javaris Crittenton infamously brought guns into the Washington Wizards’ locker room over a dispute stemming from a card game.

Arenas last played in the NBA in 2012 with the Memphis Grizzlies. Over an 11-season career, he averaged 20.7 points per game and earned three All-Star selections, playing for the Wizards, Warriors, Magic, and Grizzlies.