Ex-Washington Wizards standout Gilbert Arenas, along with five others, face charges for operating unlawful poker games.
Former NBA Star Gilbert Arenas Arrested for Alleged Illegal Gambling Ring
Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas, a three-time All-Star and key cog in several successful Wizards teams, was arrested on July 30, 2025, on federal charges for operating an illegal gambling business out of his Encino, California mansion.
The arrest, which took place on Wednesday, comes after a year-long investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office. Arenas faces three charges: conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators.
According to the indictment, Arenas rented out his residence for hosting high-stakes poker games, primarily "Pot Limit Omaha" poker, from September 2021 to July 2022. The operation was sophisticated, involving hired chefs, valets, armed security guards, and young women who served drinks, provided massages, and offered companionship to players in exchange for tips. The co-conspirators took cuts from both the pots and the servers' tips.
Arenas is alleged to have directed associates to find hosts for the poker games and collect rent on his behalf. Five others were arrested alongside Arenas, including Yevgeni "Giora" Gershman, a suspected organized crime figure from Israel.
Gershman is believed to be a high-level member of an Israeli organized crime group involved in the ring. He also faces separate charges, including marriage fraud and lying on immigration documents, for allegedly conspiring with a 35-year-old Los Angeles woman to enter into a sham marriage for the purposes of obtaining permanent legal status in the U.S.
The indictment includes a photo of a gold-trimmed poker table labeled "ARENAS POKER CLUB" featuring a basketball player image with the jersey "ARENAS." The poker players paid a "rake," a fee charged as a percentage or fixed amount from each hand gambled.
Arenas averaged 20.7 points during an 11-year career with four teams, most notably a seven-plus season stint in Washington from 2004-11. His run in Washington ended in disgrace due to a locker-room incident in which he and teammate Javaris Crittenton pulled guns on each other, leading to their suspension for the balance of the NBA season in January 2010.
Arenas' son, Alijah Arenas, is a highly touted freshman player for the University of Southern California, but his college career is currently on hold pending knee surgery, with rehab expected to take months.
Arenas was arraigned in Los Angeles federal court, pleaded not guilty, and was released on a $50,000 bond. A trial date has been set for September 23, 2025.
[1] U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California, "Former NBA Player Gilbert Arenas Charged with Operating Illegal Gambling Business," Press Release, July 30, 2025.
[2] Los Angeles Times, "Former NBA Star Gilbert Arenas Arrested on Federal Charges," July 30, 2025.
[3] ESPN, "Gilbert Arenas Arrested on Federal Charges," July 30, 2025.
casino-and-gambling played a significant role in the arrest of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, as he stood accused of operating an illegal gambling business out of his mansion. (General News)
The casino-games ran by Arenas included high-stakes poker, specifically "Pot Limit Omaha," and the operation also featured a luxurious poker table, labeled "ARENAS POKER CLUB." (Casino-Games)
A deeper look into the casino-culture surrounding Arenas' alleged activities revealed a sophisticated operation involving hired help and even alleged ties to crime-and-justice figures. (Crime-and-Justice)
