Gilbert Arenas Faces Federal Charges Over Alleged High-Stakes Gambling Operation at California Mansion
Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas is once again making headlines — but this time, it’s not for anything on the court. The 43-year-old, known for his explosive scoring ability and larger-than-life personality during his time with the Washington Wizards, is facing federal charges in connection with what prosecutors are calling an illegal high-stakes gambling operation.
According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Central California, Arenas was arrested Wednesday and charged with three federal counts: conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators.
Prosecutors allege that Arenas hosted poker nights that were anything but ordinary. These weren’t casual games among friends — they reportedly involved Pot Limit Omaha poker, armed security guards, personal chefs, valets, and even young women hired to serve drinks, offer massages, and provide companionship in exchange for tips. The games were allegedly held at Arenas’ mansion in Encino, a quiet, upscale neighborhood in Los Angeles.
At the heart of the case is the claim that Arenas rented out his home for these events and had a close associate coordinate the logistics — from recruiting dealers and staff to collecting rent and tips. One of the other men arrested, Yevgeni “Giora” Gershman, is suspected of being a high-ranking figure in an Israeli organized crime group. He and four other individuals were indicted alongside Arenas.
The alleged operation ran from September 2021 to July 2022, and investigators say the group took a cut from each pot in the poker games, making substantial profits.
Arenas appeared in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles and pleaded not guilty to all charges. He was released on a $50,000 bond and is set to return to court for trial on September 23.
Outside the courtroom, Arenas’ attorney, Jerome Friedberg, told reporters that it was too early to comment in detail. “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, and that’s how he should be treated.”
If convicted, Arenas faces up to five years in federal prison for each charge.
A History of Controversy
This isn’t Arenas’ first run-in with controversy related to gambling. Fans may remember the infamous 2009 locker room incident, where Arenas and teammate Javaris Crittenton pulled guns on each other over a dispute stemming from a card game on a team flight. That episode led to a lengthy suspension and cast a shadow over his career.
Despite the troubles off the court, Arenas’ impact on the NBA remains notable. A three-time All-Star, he averaged 20.7 points per game over an 11-season career with the Golden State Warriors, Washington Wizards, Orlando Magic, and Memphis Grizzlies. He last played in the NBA in 2012.
What’s Next?
As of now, details about the poker players involved remain unclear, and the U.S. attorney’s office has declined to comment further. With a high-profile defendant, organized crime allegations, and a web of intriguing elements, this case is likely to draw significant attention as it unfolds in the coming months.
One thing is certain — Gilbert Arenas’ life after basketball has taken a dramatic and unexpected turn.
