Gilbert Arenas Detained for Allegedly Running an Illegal Betting Ring
On July 30, 2025, former NBA star Gilbert Arenas was arrested on federal charges related to an illegal gambling business that allegedly took place at his Encino, California mansion between September 2021 and July 2022.
The indictment accuses Arenas of renting out his mansion to host high-stakes "Pot Limit Omaha" poker games, where players paid a cut, or "rake," to the operators. Arenas faces charges including conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators.
The operation was reportedly sophisticated, involving the hiring of chefs, valets, armed security, and young women who provided drinks, massages, and companionship to gamblers in exchange for tips. The defendants, including Arenas and five others (one a suspected member of an Israeli organized crime group), took a cut from these tips as well. Prosecutors claim that one co-conspirator staged the mansion for these poker games and collected rent from other co-conspirators on Arenas' behalf.
Arenas appeared in court, pleaded not guilty, and was released on a $50,000 bond. His trial is scheduled for September 23, 2025. The other defendants, all from the Los Angeles area, are also charged with conspiracy and operating the illegal gambling business.
Arenas was a three-time All-Star and was selected to an All-NBA team three times. However, his basketball career was marred by legal troubles. In December 2009, he had a run-in with the law involving a card game with former teammate Javaris Crittenton, resulting in misdemeanor gun charges. Arenas never played another NBA game after the incident. After returning from suspension, he was traded to the Orlando Magic but stopped playing in May 2012.
If convicted, the defendants would face a statutory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison for each count. The alleged activities transpired between September 2021 and July 2022. Arenas' initial appearance and arraignment are scheduled for Wednesday afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
[1] Federal Indictment against Gilbert Arenas
[2] NBA star Gilbert Arenas arrested on federal charges
[3] Gilbert Arenas pleads not guilty to federal charges
[4] Five others charged in Arenas' gambling case
[5] Arenas' mansion staged for poker games, rent collected
Federal Indictment against Gilbert Arenas involves charges of operating an illegal gambling business, as well as conspiracy and making false statements to federal investigators, following his arrest on July 30, 2025.
NBA star Gilbert Arenas, arrested on federal charges, was accused of renting out his mansion for high-stakes "Pot Limit Omaha" poker games, which allegedly took place between September 2021 and July 2022.
Gilbert Arenas pleads not guilty to federal charges related to the alleged illegal gambling business at his Encino, California mansion, with proceeding set for September 23, 2025.
