Gilbert Arenas Charged for Involvement in Underground Gambling Enterprise Probe
Former NBA Star Gilbert Arenas Charged with Illegal Gambling
Gilbert Arenas, a three-time NBA All-Star, found himself in legal trouble once again in July 2025. The former basketball star was charged with conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators [1][2][3].
The charges stem from Arenas' alleged role in hosting and organizing high-stakes illegal poker games at a rented mansion in Encino, California, between September 2021 and July 2022. Prosecutors claim that Arenas, known as "Agent Zero" in the indictment, rented out the property and oversaw the operation [2][3].
The operation, which took place in a luxury home in Encino, California, involved "Pot Limit Omaha" poker games, with additional illicit services such as armed security, chefs, valets, and women hired to serve drinks, provide massages, and offer companionship for tips [1][3]. The gambling operation coordinated scheduling and payments through encrypted messaging apps to evade authorities [1].
Five co-defendants, including a suspected member of an Israeli organized crime group, are also involved in the case, accused of the same gambling-related crimes [1][2][3]. Female servers' tips were allegedly seized by the operation [1].
Arenas appeared in court, pleaded not guilty, and was released on a $50,000 bond [2]. If convicted, he could face up to five years in federal prison for each count [2][4].
This case adds to Arenas' prior legal issues, including a 2010 guilty plea for carrying a pistol without a license following a 2009 incident during his NBA career [2][3]. The Department of Justice described the illegal gambling operation as a recurring, well-organized high-stakes poker game with multiple illegal activities surrounding it [3].
According to the indictment, the operation reportedly brought in thousands of dollars every night, with Arenas allegedly receiving rent from organizers and asking for profits from individual nights. Table layouts at the operation allegedly featured Arenas' name and image. Imposed fees on dealers and workers were part of the operation. Authorities say the ring collected a portion of each night's pots [1][3].
Arthur Kats, 51, is another suspect involved in the operation, allegedly collaborating with Arenas [1]. Arenas later filed a motion to recover the seized funds [1].
The Department of Homeland Security conducted an investigation into the operation, revealing that suspects were accused of managing gambling-related operations, including recruiting players, hiring security, and employing women to serve and entertain guests [1].
[1] ABC News. (2025). Gilbert Arenas Charged with Illegal Gambling. [online] Available at: https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/gilbert-arenas-charged-illegal-gambling-operation-79653094
[2] ESPN. (2025). Gilbert Arenas Indicted on Illegal Gambling Charges. [online] Available at: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34719028/gilbert-arenas-indicted-illegal-gambling-charges
[3] The Washington Post. (2025). Former NBA Star Gilbert Arenas Indicted on Gambling Charges. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/07/15/gilbert-arenas-indicted-gambling-charges/
[4] NBC News. (2025). Gilbert Arenas Charged with Illegal Gambling. [online] Available at: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/gilbert-arenas-charged-illegal-gambling-n1282589
- Gilbert Arenas, despite his accomplished career in the NBA, was charged with illegal gambling in 2025, specifically for operating an illegal poker game at a rented mansion in Encino, California.
- The illegal poker games Arenas is accused of hosting were high-stakes "Pot Limit Omaha" games, and the operation coordinated its activities using encrypted messaging apps to evade authorities.
- The indictment also includes charges against five co-defendants, including a suspected member of an Israeli organized crime group, who are accused of similar gambling-related crimes.
- This case is not Arenas' first brush with the law, as he also faced a guilty plea for carrying a pistol without a license in 2010. The gambling operation he is currently accused of running was described by the Department of Justice as a recurring, well-organized high-stakes poker game with multiple illegal activities.
