Gilbert Arenas, a former NBA All-Star, was arrested on July 30, 2025, after federal prosecutors accused him of organizing unlawful high-stakes poker games at a luxury property he owns in Encino, a neighborhood in Los Angeles. The charges stem from a federal indictment that includes three counts: conspiracy to run an illegal gambling operation, engaging in such an operation, and providing false information to investigators.

According to the indictment released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, Arenas, 43, is alleged to have arranged for the Encino residence to be used for poker events between September 2021 and July 2022. He reportedly instructed Arthur Kats, 51, of West Hollywood, to manage preparations for these events, including organizing the venue and collecting payments from individuals hosting the games.

Luxury Poker Games Featured Security and Custom Branding

Details from the indictment describe the poker events as elaborate affairs, featuring armed guards, professional chefs, and valet services. Custom poker tables adorned with Arenas’ name and the phrase “Arenas Poker Club” were set up at the property. A photograph of one such table was included as part of the evidence presented by federal prosecutors.

Text exchanges between Arenas and Kats reportedly show that the two discussed poker-related plans, including staffing, payments, and incidents involving intoxicated guests. Prosecutors allege these messages demonstrate Arenas’s direct knowledge of and involvement in the games.

Illegal “Rake” Makes Private Games Criminal Under State Law

While private poker gatherings are not automatically illegal in California, the games in question are accused of crossing the legal threshold due to the collection of a “rake”—a fee taken from each pot, either as a percentage or a fixed amount. Under California law, charging such a fee constitutes an illegal gambling business.

Authorities say the games primarily involved Pot-Limit Omaha, a variant of poker, and that four other individuals—Evgenni Tourevski (48), Allan Austria (52), Yarin Cohen (27), and Ievgen Krachun (43)—were responsible for organizing these sessions and collecting rakes from participants. Krachun is also accused of managing the distribution of chips and maintaining records of player wins and losses.

Companionship Services and Immigration Fraud Allegations

Another defendant, 49-year-old Yevgeni Gershman, has been labeled by prosecutors as a suspected organized crime affiliate from Israel. He is accused of recruiting women to attend the poker games, where they reportedly served drinks, gave massages, and provided company to players. According to prosecutors, the women were required to pay a portion of their earnings as a fee.

In addition to gambling-related offenses, Gershman faces three separate charges involving immigration fraud. Authorities claim he entered a fraudulent marriage with Valintina Cojocari to obtain legal permanent status in the United States. Both individuals are charged with submitting false information on immigration applications.

Arenas Pleads Not Guilty and Is Released on Bond

Arenas appeared in federal court in Los Angeles shortly after his arrest. He entered a plea of not guilty and was released after posting a $50,000 bond. His trial is scheduled to begin on September 23, 2025. If convicted of all charges, he could receive up to five years in prison for each count, for a total maximum sentence of 15 years.

Following his court appearance, Arenas posted a video to Instagram showing himself dancing, alongside a caption stating that he had only rented out the house and was not involved in the events described. Prosecutors, however, argue that Arenas knowingly provided the equipment and space for a poker event held on July 19, 2022. During a raid the next morning, investigators from the Department of Homeland Security reportedly found and seized cash stored in the main bedroom. Arenas later filed a petition to recover the funds and denied knowledge of any gambling activity.

Arenas’ Documented Poker Involvement Before Arrest

Gilbert Arenas’ connection to poker predates the current case. In 2014, he played in the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) Main Event in the Bahamas, a $10,300 buy-in tournament featuring a $10 million guaranteed prize pool. Arenas competed on Day 1A but was eliminated early by poker pro Dylan Hortin. His participation caught attention due to his background in professional sports and his apparent ease at the table.

Years later, Arenas appeared in a Pot-Limit Omaha game streamed live on Hustler Casino Live, where blinds were set at $100/$200/$200. The appearances undoubtedly brought him some visibility within the poker community, where a number of celebrities have shown increasing interest in high-stakes games.

Previous Legal History Involving Card Games

This is not the first time Arenas has faced legal consequences related to cards. In 2009, during his time with the Washington Wizards, he was involved in a locker room confrontation with teammate Javaris Crittenton over a gambling-related dispute. The situation escalated when Arenas brought unloaded firearms into the team facility. He was later convicted of a felony weapons charge and suspended for the rest of the 2009–10 NBA season.

Career in the NBA and Media Presence Post-Retirement

Arenas began his NBA career with the Golden State Warriors and later played for the Washington Wizards, Orlando Magic, and Memphis Grizzlies over 11 seasons. He was named an NBA All-Star three times and wore the jersey number “0,” which earned him the nickname “Agent Zero.” In recent years, he launched a podcast titled Gil’s Arena, where he and former players discuss topics related to basketball.

The federal case against Arenas and his co-defendants remains ongoing. Court documents state that no attorneys for the other defendants were listed at the time the indictment was unsealed.