Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas has been arrested and is facing multiple charges, including one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, one count of operating an illegal gambling business, and one count of making false statements to federal investigators. This information was reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California on Wednesday.

The allegations state that Arenas operated the illegal gambling operation from September 2021 to July 2022 at his mansion in Encino, California. In court, he pleaded not guilty to the charges and was subsequently released on a $50,000 bond. Arenas is scheduled to return for trial on September 23. Alongside him, five other defendants face similar charges related to conspiracy and operating an illegal gambling enterprise, including Yevgeni Gershman, who is described as a suspected organized crime figure from Israel.

According to the allegations, Arenas purportedly rented out the mansion to facilitate high-stakes poker games, specifically Pot Limit Omaha (PLO). Arthur Kats, a co-defendant, is alleged to have run the operation under Arenas’ instruction. Reports suggest that Kats was responsible for preparing the mansion for the games, recruiting co-conspirators, and collecting rental fees on Arenas’ behalf. Additionally, the alleged games involved the collection of a rake, while young women were reportedly hired to provide drinks, massages, and companionship for the participants. The operations also included services from chefs, valets, and armed security guards. If convicted, each defendant could face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each count, with Arenas facing a possible maximum of 15 years due to the three charges against him. The prosecution is being led by Assistant United States Attorney Samuel J. Diaz from the Transnational Organized Crime Section. Arenas, known for his 11-season NBA career primarily with the Washington Wizards, notably made three All-Star teams and three All-NBA teams during his time in the league, averaging 20.7 points and 5.3 assists per game. In recent years, Arenas has gained popularity as a podcaster, with his show, Gil's Arena, amassing over 1 million subscribers on YouTube.