Gilbert Arenas Charged in Alleged Illegal Gambling Ring

Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas was taken into custody on Wednesday. The Department of Justice alleges that Arenas ran an illegal gambling ring from a residence he owned in Southern California. He entered a not guilty plea to the charges and was released on a $50,000 bond.

A federal indictment revealed that Arenas faces charges including conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators.

The Justice Department suspects Arenas rented a property in Encino, California, to host high-stakes poker games. The indictment, filed in Los Angeles, accuses Arenas of instructing Arthur Kats to organize these illegal games. Kats allegedly managed rental payments for others involved in the operation. Text messages between Arenas and Kats, detailing the games, were reportedly obtained by officials.

According to the indictment, Ievgen Krachun was identified as the individual who oversaw the gambling activities within the home. Another defendant, Yevgeni Gershman, was described by the DOJ as a "suspected organized crime figure from Israel."

The co-defendants are accused of receiving money from prize pots and recruiting women to provide services to gamblers, including drinks, massages, and companionship. Investigators stated that a portion of the women's earnings were collected by the players after services were allegedly provided.

The home owned by Arenas was raided in July 2022, during which U.S. Department of Homeland Security investigators seized money. Arenas subsequently filed a petition with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Arenas's last NBA appearance was during the 2011-12 season with the Memphis Grizzlies. He spent most of his career with the Washington Wizards. In recent years, Arenas has become known for hosting the "Gil's Arena" podcast.