Investigation Reveals Gilbert Arenas to Be Suspect in Illicit Gambling Enterprise
In a shocking turn of events, former NBA star Gilbert Arenas found himself in hot water on July 31, 2025, when he was arrested for allegedly operating a sophisticated illegal high-stakes poker gambling operation from his mansion in Encino, California.
The indictment, filed by the Department of Homeland Security, portrays an elaborate scheme that ran from September 2021 to July 2022. The operation, described as a highly sophisticated gambling enterprise, was structured to turn a profit, with Arenas at its core, collaborating with Arthur Kats.
Text messages secured by investigators showed Arenas and Kats arranging staffing and discussing the operation's financials. The enterprise included chefs, valets, armed security guards, and women who served drinks, massages, and companionship to players for tips. These women reportedly paid a cut of their earnings back to the organizers.
The operation also involved Yevgeni "Giora" Gershman, a suspected high-level member of an Israeli organized crime group, and other associates who helped run the business and collected fees from the poker pots.
The illegal operation allegedly took place at Arenas' luxury home in Encino, California, which was staged as a high-end poker venue hosting games such as Pot-Limit Omaha. The indictment further alleges that the ring collected a portion of each night's pots and that Arenas received rent from organizers and asked for profits from individual nights.
Federal agents raided the Encino property in July 2022, seizing cash and betting equipment. All suspects face charges of managing gambling-related operations at the house, including recruiting players, hiring security, and employing women to serve and entertain guests.
Arenas pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on July 31, where he was ordered released on a $50,000 bond. A trial date was set for September 23, 2025. If convicted, Arenas could face up to five years in prison for each of the three charges.
Five additional defendants are also involved in the case, standing accused of the same gambling-related crimes. The operation brought in thousands of dollars every night, with scheduling and payments coordinated through encrypted messaging apps to evade authorities.
If found guilty, Arenas could face significant federal penalties, including fines, restitution, and prison time given the organized nature and duration of the alleged operation. Prosecutors allege that Arenas' claims regarding his role in the gambling operation are false.
Jerome Friedberg is Arenas' attorney, and Arenas has filed a motion to recover the seized funds. The case continues to unfold, with the public eagerly awaiting the trial scheduled for later this year.
- Despite his former career in basketball with the NBA, Gilbert Arenas is currently embroiled in a high-stakes poker gambling operation controversy, the details of which were unveiled in a Department of Homeland Security indictment on July 31, 2025.
- Arthur Kats, a collaborator of Arenas, was also involved in the alleged illegal gambling operation, as shown by text messages seized by investigators that revealed their discussions about staffing and financials.
- The illegal casino-games operation, which ran from September 2021 to July 2022, was structured as a sophisticated gambling enterprise, complete with chefs, valets, armed security guards, and women offering drinks, massages, and companionship to players for tips.
- In addition to Gilbert Arenas and Arthur Kats, Yevgeni "Giora" Gershman, a suspected high-level member of an Israeli organized crime group, and several other associates were also involved, helping run the business and collecting fees from the poker pots.
