Gilbert Arenas is trending once again—and this time, it has nothing to do with basketball or hot takes on his podcast.
The former NBA All-Star has been hit with a federal indictment, accused of operating a high-stakes illegal gambling operation out of one of his California homes.
What The Feds Are Saying About Gilbert Arenas
According to the Department of Justice, 43-year-old Gilbert Arenas faces multiple charges, including:
- One count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business
- One count of operating an illegal gambling business
- One count of making false statements to federal investigators
Prosecutors allege Arenas turned a rented Encino mansion—dubbed “The Gable House”—into the unofficial headquarters for underground poker games.
If convicted, he could be looking at up to five years in prison for each count.
The Players Involved
The indictment names several other individuals allegedly tied to the gambling ring, including:
- Arthur Kats – accused of staging the games at Arenas’ request
- Yevgeni Gershman – described as a suspected Israeli organized crime figure
- Evgenni Tourevski
- Allan Austria
- Yarin Cohen
- Ievgen Krachun
Each of these men faces charges of conspiracy and operating an illegal gambling business.
According to the feds, the group created a high-roller atmosphere by inviting wealthy gamblers, hiring women to serve drinks and provide “companionship,” and taking a cut of the winnings and tips.
Receipts, Texts, And Poker Tables With Gilbert Arenas’ Face On Them
Y’all, this wasn’t some low-key card night in the basement.
According to investigators, text messages show Gilbert Arenas and Kats planning the poker games, discussing payments, and even commissioning poker tables with Arenas’ name and image on them.
That’s not subtle, Gil.
Messages reportedly show Arenas complaining about drunk players, asking about the money collected, and coordinating hosts, security, and even the women hired to work the games.
The 2022 Raid That Started It All
The mansion was raided in the early hours of July 20, 2022, and investigators seized cash stashed in the master bedroom.
Arenas later filed a petition with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to get that money back, claiming he wasn’t involved in the gambling activities.
But the indictment says otherwise.
Prosecutors allege Arenas knowingly provided gambling equipment and collected rent for the illegal games—all while telling federal agents he wasn’t involved. Whew.
Marriage Fraud Charges, Too?
As if this case wasn’t wild enough, co-defendant Yevgeni Gershman faces additional charges related to a sham marriage with a woman named Valintina Cojocari.
Both are accused of submitting false information on immigration forms, and they now face three more charges:
- Conspiracy to commit marriage fraud
- Marriage fraud
- Making false statements on immigration documents
According to prosecutors, Gershman paid Cojocari for the arrangement.
From NBA Star To Podcast Host To Federal Defendant
Once known as “Agent Zero,” Gilbert Arenas was a three-time All-Star who spent 11 seasons in the NBA, most notably with the Washington Wizards.
In recent years, he found new fame as the host of “Gil’s Arena,” a popular podcast where he and other former pros chop it up about hoops and sports culture.
Now, he’s got a whole different kind of arena to deal with—and it’s not looking good.
What’s your take on this Gilbert Arenas indictment?
Were you surprised or nah? Drop down in the comments and let me know!
Never miss a scoop — sign up for IceCreamConvos.com’s free daily newsletter and stay in the know with the hottest celebrity news, jaw-dropping headlines, and stories everyone will be talking about.
Lock In With Ice Cream Convos:
