Gilbert Arenas once again caught up in a scandal over illegal poker games

• Gilbert Arenas has been banned for organizing illegal poker games.
• Among those arrested were also members of an Israeli organized crime syndicate.
• Arenas could face up to five years in prison for each charge.

Gilbert Arenas, former NBA star, along with five other individuals, has been arrested on charges related to the creation of an illegal gambling business. This occurred on July 31, 2025, when the prosecution announced the indictment regarding the conditions and the provision of false testimony to federal investigators.

According to the investigation, Arenas organized illegal poker games in his mansion in Encino, California, from January 2021 to July 2022. The games included popular games such as "Pot Limit Omaha." Arenas rented out his home for the conduct of these games, for which he received a portion of the winnings.

Among the other arrested individuals was also Evgeny Gershman, a known member of the Israeli organized crime syndicate, who was responsible for organizing the games, hiring women for servicing players, and also provided security and dealers. Arenas, like the other detainees, could face a maximum sentence of up to five years for each of the presented charges.

Gilbert Arenas, who averaged 20.7 points per game during his NBA career, has previously been involved in scandals, including in 2009 due to an incident with a firearm.

Tags: USA/Crime