Gilbert Arenas Indicted in Illegal Gambling Ring Investigation

Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas was arrested Wednesday morning. He faces federal charges of running an illegal high-stakes poker operation out of a luxury home he rented out in Encino, California. Arenas, 43, must defend himself from three felony accusations: conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal agents.

The Operation Was Allegedly Well-Established

Arenas’ involvement in this case follows an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security. Authorities described a highly sophisticated gambling enterprise involving poker games that allegedly brought in thousands of dollars every night. The former Washington Wizards guard reportedly leased out the Encino estate as a venue for underground high-rolling gambling nights.

The indictment alleges that Arenas was a core member of the illegal operation, collaborating with another suspect, Arthur Kats, 51, to coordinate the games and manage the flow of money. Text messages secured by the investigators reportedly revealed Arenas and Kats arranging staffing and discussing the operation’s financials. According to investigators, table layouts even featured Arenas’ name and image, likely to create a veneer of legitimacy.

Prosecutors note that Arenas also received rent from organizers and asked for profits from individual nights. Five additional defendants are also involved in the case, standing accused of the same gambling-related crimes. All suspects face charges of managing gambling-related operations at the house, including recruiting players, hiring security, and employing women to serve and entertain guests.

Dealings Happened in Secrecy

Federal agents raided the Encino property in July 2022, seizing cash and betting equipment. Arenas later filed a motion to recover the seized funds. However, prosecutors allege this move came after false claims regarding his role in the gambling operation. Arenas’ attorney, Jerome Friedberg, did not elaborate on the case, only stating that the former NBA athlete was still reviewing the charges.

At this point in the case, he is presumed innocent, right? He has the same right as any other to that presumption, and that’s how he should be treated.

Jerome Friedberg, attorney of Gilbert Arenas

The indictment portrays an elaborate scheme running under the guise of private poker but structured to turn a profit. Authorities say the ring collected a portion of each night’s pots, imposed fees on dealers and workers, seized tips from female servers, and coordinated scheduling and payments through encrypted messaging apps to evade authorities.

Arenas was named an All-Star three times during his 11-season NBA career. Since his retirement, he’s gained new notoriety as the host of Gil’s Arena podcast. With over a million subscribers, he offers frank and provocative commentary on all things basketball. If convicted, Arenas could face up to five years in prison for each of the three charges. No trial date has been set.