Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas has been arrested in Southern California as part of a large federal case involving accusations of an illegal gambling operation, a celebrity news website reported on Thursday. The former Washington Wizards guard turned his private home into a casino-style speakeasy for high-stakes, underground poker games from September 2021 to July 2022, court papers claim.
The indictment describes an elaborate plan involving Arenas and five co-defendants. Arenas ‘loaned’ his mansion as a venue to the games and gave instructions to Arthur Kats of West Hollywood, 51, to manage, say prosecutors. Kats is accused of setting up the game, quarantining other co-conspirators to deal cards at the location, and paying rent on Arena’s behalf for the premises. The purported operation served a well-heeled clientele, who got more than cards and chips.
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The U.S. Department of Justice says Yevgeni Gershman, a 49-year-old Israeli man accused of having ties to organized crime, was instrumental in recruiting young women to work the games. These women, who were reportedly hired to serve drinks, give massages, and act as companions to guests, were required to remit a “tax,” a cut of their earnings, to the operation. The events were staffed by private chefs, valet personnel, and even armed security guards, indicating a well-honed operation geared to escape detection. But for all the opulence shown in the video from the mansion, federal authorities say the whole thing was an illegal gambling business that was not properly licensed or regulated.
Arenas, whose on-and off-court antics earned him the nickname of “Agent Zero” for the Washington Wizards, is scheduled for an initial appearance. His arrest has shocked fans who cheered his accomplishments during his post-retirement career in media and the arts. And as an alleged accomplice, Arenas and his co-defendants could potentially face harsh penalties if convicted, such as fines and prison time. This high-profile case is likely to be one of the most publicized celebrity legal battles in recent history as the investigation continues.
