Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas was arrested on Wednesday, 30 July 2025, in Los Angeles following a federal indictment accusing him of running a high-stakes illegal poker operation. The charges stem from an alleged gambling ring hosted at a luxury Encino mansion between September 2021 and July 2022. Prosecutors said that Arenas and several associates orchestrated a private poker setup that included security, staff and hired women providing services beyond hospitality.
Arenas Faces Federal Charges in Gambling Indictment
A press release from the United States Attorney's Office wrote that Arenas, 43, faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and making false statements to federal investigators. Authorities allege that Arenas oversaw the poker games, which charged players a percentage-based rake in violation of federal gambling laws.
The former athlete appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to all charges. He was released on a $50,000 (£38,000) bond, with a trial scheduled for 23 September 2025. According to the indictment, the operation functioned out of a property Arenas rented specifically to host the poker games, which reportedly attracted over two dozen players and more than a dozen staff at its peak.
Poker Operation Featured Massage Services and Valet Staff
The Department of Justice detailed a luxury gambling environment that included 'chefs, valets and armed security for the illegal poker games', and young women hired to serve drinks and provide massages. Prosecutors allege that some of these women also offered companionship and were required to pay a 'tax', a portion of their earnings, back to the organisers.
The poker variant most commonly played was Pot Limit Omaha, known for its high buy-ins and aggressive betting format. Players allegedly paid a rake to participate, which federal authorities cited as one of the key elements making the games illegal under U.S. law.
Arthur Kats, 51, identified as a close associate of Arenas, was reportedly responsible for staging the mansion and collecting rent from those involved. The setup was described as highly organised, with designated roles for food service, security and game management.
Co-Defendants and Alleged Organised Network
Arenas was indicted alongside five others. Among them was Yevgeni 'Giora' Gershman, an Israeli national suspected of organised crime ties, who also faces additional charges related to immigration fraud. Other co-defendants include Evgenni Tourevski, Allan Austria, Yarin Cohen and Ievgen Krachun. The latter allegedly served as a chip runner, managing game flow and tracking results.
Authorities claim the group ran the poker ring as a tightly coordinated enterprise. Each individual reportedly had a specific role in maintaining the secrecy and functionality of the operation. If convicted, Arenas and his co-defendants could face up to five years in prison per charge.
Arenas's Net Worth and Career in the Spotlight
Before his legal troubles, Arenas was widely recognised as one of the NBA's most dynamic scorers. Drafted in 2001, he became a three-time All-Star with the Washington Wizards and earned the nickname 'Agent Zero' for his clutch performances.
However, his career was overshadowed by a 2009 locker-room gun incident that led to a suspension and a felony conviction.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Arenas's 2025 net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, bolstered by past NBA contracts, international play and media ventures including his podcast 'Gil's Arena'. His public profile has remained active through appearances in sports commentary and interviews.
