Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California. The charges stem from allegations that Arenas ran an illegal gambling operation at a mansion he owned in Encino, California, from September 2021 to July 2022.

In court, Arenas pleaded not guilty to the charges and was subsequently released on a $50,000 bond. His trial is scheduled for September 23. Alongside him, five other defendants have been charged, which includes Yevgeni Gershman, who is described as a suspected organized crime figure from Israel. Arenas is accused of utilizing the mansion to host high-stakes poker games, specifically Pot Limit Omaha (PLO) formats, with Arthur Kats alleged to have operated the gambling events at Arenas' direction.

The operation reportedly included several elements typical of high-stakes gambling venues, such as the hiring of young women to serve drinks, provide massages, and offer companionship to the players. Additionally, staff such as chefs, valets, and armed security guards were present at these events. The statement outlined that each defendant faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each count, indicating that the potential consequences for Arenas could amount to a maximum of 15 years due to the three counts against him. Arenas, who played 11 seasons in the NBA and is recognized for his outstanding tenure with the Washington Wizards, gained notoriety for his performance during a three-year span that included three All-Star selections. Despite his present legal challenges, Arenas remains notable in the media landscape as a popular podcaster, with his Gil's Arena podcast boasting over 1 million subscribers.