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Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas was arrested in California on Wednesday after federal agents claimed he helped run an illegal gambling business.
On Wednesday, the Department of Justice revealed they had arrested arrested Arenas and five other men for running illegal poker games at a home in Southern California.
Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas and suspected Israeli crime figure were arrested today on federal indictment alleging they operated illegal gambling business in which high-stakes poker games were played at Encino mansion Arenas owned. https://t.co/ZS6HYj6xQI
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 30, 2025
According to the DOJ, Arenas and his co-conspirators hosted illegal high-stakes poker games at the home, which was run by Arenas.
“From September 2021 to July 2022, Gershman, Arenas, and the other defendants operated an illegal gambling business. Arenas rented out an Encino mansion he owned for the purpose of hosting high-stakes illegal poker games. At Arenas’ direction, Arthur Kats, 51, of West Hollywood, staged the mansion to host the games, found co-conspirators to host the games, and collected rent from the co-conspirators on Arenas’ behalf.”
“Gershman, Tourevski, Austria, and Cohen managed illegal “Pot Limit Omaha” poker games, among other illegal games, at the Encino mansion, collected a “rake” – a fee the house charged from each pot either as a percentage or a fixed amount per hand – and invited players to compete.”
“Gershman hired young women who, in exchange for tips, served drinks, provided massages, and offered companionship to the poker players. The women were charged a “tax” – a percentage of their earnings from working the games. Chefs, valets, and armed security guards also were hired to staff these illegal poker games.”
Arenas is being charged with one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, one count of operating an illegal gambling business, and one count of making false statements to federal investigators.
Each count faces a maximum of 5 years in prison if convicted.
All in all, Arenas is facing 15 years in prison if found guilty and given the maximum sentence on each count.