Gilbert Arenas’ arrest for Illegal Gambling Business is at the center of a sweeping federal indictment that alleges the former NBA star hosted high-stakes poker games at his Encino, California, mansion.
In a major operation unsealed on July 30, 2025, federal authorities arrested Gilbert Arenas [10 million net worth], a three-time NBA All-Star once known as “Agent Zero,” along with five others, accusing them of orchestrating an illegal gambling enterprise in Encino, Los Angeles. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, the indictment charges them with conspiracy, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators.
A Luxury Mansion Turned Gambling Hub
Federal documents reveal that, between September 2021 and July 2022, Arenas rented out his Encino mansion to host elaborate Pot Limit Omaha poker games and other unlawful gambling events. The games were organized at Arenas’s direction via an associate, Arthur Kats, whom he allegedly instructed to prepare the property and collect rent from co-conspirators for use of the house.
Gershman and others reportedly managed the games, collecting a rake—a fee taken from each pot either as a fixed amount or percentage—to profit from every hand played.
The Cast of Co-Defendants
Among the five individuals arrested alongside Arenas is Yevgeni “Giora” Gershman, a 49-year-old suspected member of an Israeli organized crime syndicate. Legal filings show he and the group employed a full staff for the operation, including chefs, valets, armed security, and women who served drinks, massages, and companionship to players—women who were required to pay a “tax” on their tips.
Other defendants—Evgenni Tourevski, Allan Austria, Yarin Cohen, and Ievgen Krachun—all of Los Angeles, played distinct roles: managing games, running chips, inviting players, and handling logistics. Gershman and an accomplice, Valentina Cojocari, also face charges of marriage fraud and making false statements to U.S. immigration authorities after allegedly entering a sham marriage in early 2022.
Court Proceedings and Legal Consequences
All six defendants made their initial court appearances on July 30, 2025, in the U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles. Arenas pleaded not guilty and was released on a bond of $50,000, according to court records. His attorney, Jerome Friedberg, emphasized the presumption of innocence and noted the limited time preparing comments outside the courthouse. His trial is currently scheduled for September 23, 2025.
Each felony charge carries up to five years in prison, though sentences may be served concurrently. The Defendants are likely to face serious scrutiny given the scale and organization involved.
Arenas’s Track Record: Stardom and Scandals
During an 11-year NBA career, Arenas averaged 20.7 points per game, starred with the Washington Wizards, and earned accolades including All-Star selections and All-NBA honors. Yet his legacy was overshadowed by a notorious 2009 incident, when he and teammate Javaris Crittenton brought guns into the team locker room during a heated argument over a card game. Arenas pleaded guilty to carrying an unlicensed firearm, served probation, and was suspended for the remainder of the season.
Since retiring in 2013—with a final stint overseas—Arenas has transitioned into media, hosting “Gil’s Arena” and making appearances on sports podcasts and analysis shows. That career came to a sudden halt with these latest charges.
Public Reaction and Arenas’s Response
News coverage across major outlets, including AP News, CNN, The Guardian, and The Washington Post, underscores the gravity of the allegations and Arenas’s high-profile status. Public reactions have ranged from shock to amusement, especially when Arenas resurfaced on social media—posting a celebratory video after his release along with a defiant meme that read: “They can’t hold me.”
What Happens Next in the Legal Process
With a scheduled trial set for September 23, the focus now turns to pretrial discovery and motions. Prosecutors will likely release further details about who participated in the games, financial records, and communications. Defense attorneys are expected to press for limiting evidence or seeking dismissals based on procedural grounds. A conviction could result in serious prison time—or, depending on plea deals or concurrent sentencing, a more lenient outcome. The Guardian
Final Thoughts
Gilbert Arenas’s arrest marks a dramatic turn in the story of a basketball star once celebrated for his on-court flair. The federal indictment paints a picture of a deeply organized gambling operation involving luxury accommodations, hired staff, and international crime figures. As legal proceedings unfold, this case offers a cautionary tale about the costs of life beyond the hardwood—and the consequences of crossing legal lines.
This is an evolving story. We’ll continue to cover court updates, defense strategies, and the broader implications for professional athletes and gambling regulation.
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