Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Former NBA Star Gilbert Arenas Arrested for Involvement in Illegal Poker Games

Gilbert Arenas was also known for his injuries and off-court controversies during his NBA career.

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas was arrested on Wednesday on three separate charges related to holding illegal poker games at his California mansion. The Central California District Attorney’s Office announced the measure in a press release. With 11 years of experience in the league, Arenas owns the podcast ‘No Chill Gil’ and actively participates in other productions on YouTube.

Now, the former athlete faces one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling scheme, one count of operating an illegal gambling scheme, and one count of making false statements to federal agents. If convicted, he could face up to five years in a US federal prison.

BREAKING: Gilbert Arenas and five other defendants – including a suspected high-level member of an Israeli transnational organized crime group – were arrested today on a federal indictment alleging they operated an illegal gambling business in which high-stakes poker games were… pic.twitter.com/i9KxTwn2Xb
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 30, 2025

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According to the indictment, Arenas allegedly worked alongside several associates, who are also being charged. Among them is Yevgeni Gershman, an alleged high-ranking member of an Israeli criminal organization.

The tournaments allegedly took place between September 2021 and July 2022. According to the charges, the shipowner rented his mansion in Encino, California, while one of his associates organized the illegal games.

Gilbert Arenas had past history of controversies

Extremely talented, Gilbert Arenas was also known for his injuries and off-court controversies during his NBA career. The most notable of these occurred in 2009. At the time, the point guard was playing for the Washington Wizards and was involved in an argument with then-teammate Javaris Crittenton, in which both brought firearms into the locker room.

Both players were immediately punished by David Stern, the league commissioner at the time. Arenas later claimed the situation was nothing more than trash talk over the outcome of a card game played during a team plane trip.

Throughout his professional career, he also played for the Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic, and Memphis Grizzlies. However, he experienced his best days with the Wizards. In eight seasons, he averaged 25 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds. He earned three All-Star Game selections and was named to the All-Star Team of the Season. He also won the Most Improved Player award in 2003.

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.