🎲 Gilbert Arenas Arrested in Alleged High-Stakes Poker Ring Tied to Organized Crime

Los Angeles, July 31, 2025 — Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas was arrested Wednesday in connection with a federal indictment accusing him of hosting illegal high-stakes poker games at his mansion in Encino, California, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Central California.

Arenas faces three charges: conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators. He pleaded not guilty during a court appearance in downtown Los Angeles and was released on $50,000 bond. His trial is set for September 23.

His attorney, Jerome Friedberg, declined to comment in detail, saying he had limited time to speak with his client. “At this point in the case, he is presumed innocent, right?” Friedberg said. “He has the same right as any other citizen to that presumption.”

Also indicted were Yevgeni “Giora” Gershman, a suspected senior figure in an Israeli organized crime group, and four alleged co-conspirators. The group is accused of running the illegal operation from September 2021 to July 2022.

According to prosecutors, Arenas allowed his mansion to be used for the games, while an associate coordinated logistics — recruiting hosts, staging the venue, and collecting rent on Arenas’ behalf. The indictment claims the group ran “Pot Limit Omaha” poker sessions, taking a cut from each pot.

The games reportedly featured chefs, valets, armed guards, and young women who served drinks, gave massages, and provided companionship for tips — with the hosts allegedly skimming from those tips as well.

Authorities have not identified the players involved, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office declined to comment further.

Arenas, now 43, is no stranger to controversy surrounding gambling. In 2009, he made headlines after a locker-room standoff involving firearms and a card game with teammate Javaris Crittenton. He last played in the NBA in 2012, wrapping up an 11-season career that included three All-Star selections and a 20.7 points-per-game average.

If convicted, Arenas could face up to five years in federal prison per charge.