Gilbert Arenas. Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Gilbert Arenas arrested for for allegedly running illegal gambling business

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Jul 30, 2025 4:12 PM ET

Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas has been arrested for allegedly running an illegal high-stakes poker game.

Arenas and five others were arrested Wednesday on a federal indictment alleging that they took part in an illegal gambling business. Arenas is accused of renting out an Encino mansion he owned for the purpose of hosting high-stakes poker games, while other co-conspirators were involved in running the games and collecting money from those who took part.

One of Arenas’ co-conspirators, Yevgeni "Giora" Gershman, is suspected to be a prominent member of an Israeli transnational organized crime group. All six people facing charges are set to be arraigned in Los Angeles on Wednesday afternoon.

Along with being charged for one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and one count of operating an illegal gambling business, Arenas is also charged with lying to federal investigators. He, and the others, face a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each count.

He allegedly used the alias “Agent Zero,” his nickname as a player, while hosting the games.

Gilbert Arenas and 5 others were arrested today in LA, the DOJ said. They were allegedly running an illegal gambling ring, according to the fed gov't, and running high-level poker games out of Arenas' home. Arenas was charged on 3 counts and supposed to be arraigned today. pic.twitter.com/Gmi18oyA7l
— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) July 30, 2025

A three-time All-Star, Arenas was a high-end scorer in his prime with the Washington Wizards, but was also known for his erratic off-court behavior. During his retirement, he has become a media figure and started his own organization to cover multiple sports. He recently spoke about expanding that business by bringing in one big name.

Arenas’ son, Alijah, is a highly-rated basketball recruit who was set to play for USC this fall before suffering a season-ending injury.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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