Federal authorities apprehended former basketball player Gilbert Arenas on accusations of serious federal offenses.
Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas found himself in legal trouble once again, this time facing federal charges for his alleged involvement in an illegal gambling operation.
The arrest, which took place in late July 2025, was a result of a federal indictment that accused Arenas and five other individuals, including a high-level member of an Israeli organized crime group, of operating illegal high-stakes poker games at Arenas' Encino home.
The operation, which ran from September 2021 through July 2022, was reportedly lavishly staffed with chefs, valets, armed security, and women who served drinks, gave massages, and provided companionship for tips. The co-conspirators also took a cut from the tips earned by the servers.
Among the arrested co-defendants was Yevgeni "Giora" Gershman, a 49-year-old high-ranking Israeli mobster. In addition to the same charges faced by Arenas, Gershman was also charged with three additional counts of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, marriage fraud, and making a false statement on an immigration document.
Arthur Kats, 51, of West Hollywood, was also arrested. He allegedly staged Arenas' Encino mansion to host the illegal poker games, found co-conspirators to host the games, and collected rent from the co-conspirators on Arenas' behalf.
It is important to note that Arenas last played professionally in 2013, over a decade before these charges. Therefore, this arrest does not affect an active NBA career but may significantly affect his post-career reputation and any ongoing or future involvement in basketball-related activities.
Yang Hansen, a rising star in the NBA, is gaining attention as the league's potential next global phenomenon. This case, however, casts a shadow over another former NBA star's career.
Arenas pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and was released on a $50,000 bond. If convicted, he and the co-defendants could face up to five years in federal prison for each count. The trial is set for September 2025.
References:
- ABC News
- ESPN
- The Washington Post
- The New York Times
- Gilbert Arenas, despite his legal troubles involving an alleged illegal gambling operation in the NBA, was once a star player in the league.
- Yang Hansen, on the other hand, is a rising star in the NBA, drawing attention as a potential global phenomenon for the league.
- The arrest of Arenas and five others, including a high-ranking Israeli mobster, was related to illegal high-stakes poker games at Arenas' home, a result of a federal indictment that ran from September 2021 to July 2022.
- Despite the charges, Arenas last played professionally in 2013, and this arrest may significantly impact his post-career reputation and any future involvement in basketball-related activities.
- If convicted, Arenas and the co-defendants could face up to five years in federal prison for each count, according to reports from ABC News, ESPN, The Washington Post, and The New York Times.
