Gilbert Arenas was once known for lighting up the scoreboard with long-range threes and fearless confidence. Today, he’s making headlines for a very different reason.
The former NBA star was arrested this week and charged with running an illegal gambling operation out of a multimillion-dollar mansion in Encino, California, that he once owned. Federal officials allege that Arenas used the property to host exclusive, high-stakes poker games under the name “Arenas Poker Club“-complete with custom tables, hired staff, and a rotating guest list of wealthy gamblers.
According to the indictment, unsealed Wednesday by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles, Arenas directed the staging of the home and collected rent through associates. Among those arrested alongside him were five others, including Yevgeni Gershman-an alleged organized crime figure-and several men who prosecutors say ran day-to-day operations.
Inside “Arenas Poker Club”: Custom Felts, Cash Rake, and Armed Guards
From September 2021 to July 2022, the Encino mansion reportedly transformed into an underground casino. Players competed in Pot Limit Omaha and other games while paying a “rake” to the house-a fee collected per hand or as a percentage of the pot.
Federal officials say the atmosphere was closer to a luxury club than a casual card game. The operation featured valets, chefs, security guards with weapons, and women hired to serve drinks and provide massages-who were also required to pay a cut of their tips.
One man, Ievgen Krachun, is accused of acting as a “chip runner,” managing players’ winnings and losses. Another, Arthur Kats, allegedly staged the mansion and coordinated logistics under Arenas’ direction.
Meanwhile, Gershman faces additional charges, including marriage fraud, tied to an alleged sham marriage with a woman seeking permanent U.S. residency.
The mansion at 4550 Gable Drive was sold by Arenas in late 2022 for $3.1 million-months after the alleged ring wrapped up. Court documents describe the five-bedroom home as the central hub of the operation, with “ARENAS POKER CLUB” branding even displayed on the game tables.
This isn’t the first time Arenas has had legal trouble. In 2010, he was suspended 50 games by the NBA after bringing firearms into the Wizards locker room during a gambling-related dispute. He later served probation for carrying an unlicensed weapon.
In the years since retirement, Arenas has courted controversy with racially charged comments about international NBA players, drawing criticism from peers and media. Just last year, he mocked South Sudan’s national basketball team and praised Draymond Green for “fighting back” against European stars.
The arrest also comes amid personal turmoil for Arenas’ son, Alijah, a promising freshman at USC. Alijah was hospitalized earlier this month after crashing his Tesla Cybertruck and suffering smoke inhalation. He also suffered a serious knee injury requiring surgery, sidelining him for most of the season.
If convicted, Arenas and his co-defendants could face up to five years in federal prison for each of the two gambling-related charges.
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