NBA Star Gilbert Arenas Arrested for Allegedly Hosting Illegal Poker Games: what we know so far

Former NBA standout Gilbert Arenas – better known to fans as Agent Zero – has found himself at the centre of a federal case after prosecutors in California accused him of turning his luxury Encino mansion into an exclusive gambling den. Court filings unsealed at the end of July 2025 allege that Arenas and a network of accomplices ran high‑stakes poker games at the property for nearly a year, taking a cut from each pot and providing a full complement of servers, security staff and female entertainers. Arenas, 43, pleaded not guilty and was released on a USD 50,000 bond; he faces trial on 23 September 2025.

Federal prosecutors say Arenas conspired with several associates to operate an illegal gambling business from September 2021 to July 2022. The indictment names six defendants:

The U.S. Attorney’s Office alleges that Arenas enlisted Arthur Kats, 51, to stage his mansion, recruit co‑conspirators and collect rent for using the property. Gershman and his team reportedly organised the high‑stakes “Pot Limit Omaha” poker games, charging a “rake” – a fee collected from each pot – either as a percentage or as a fixed amount per hand. Prosecutors say they turned the estate into a lavish casino complete with custom black‑and‑gold “Arenas Poker Club” tables, chefs, valets, armed security guards and women who served drinks and gave massages. The women’s tips were allegedly taxed by the organisers, further boosting profits.

In addition to the gambling charges, Gershman and Valentina Cojocari, 35, face marriage‑fraud counts. Authorities say they entered into a sham marriage to help Gershman obtain permanent U.S. residency and lied on immigration forms. If convicted, each defendant faces up to five years in federal prison per count.

According to investigators, Arenas did not merely host casual card nights. He allegedly turned his Encino residence into a private club with professional trappings. A text message to a co‑defendant reportedly showed a gold‑trimmed poker table emblazoned with “Arenas Poker Club”. The home was furnished for high rollers, including gourmet chefs, valets and armed guards. A team of young women were recruited to serve drinks, provide massages and “offer companionship” to players. Prosecutors allege that the organisers took a percentage of the women’s tips.

This elaborate setup reportedly ran from September 2021 through July 2022, with Arenas’ associates collecting rent and rakes on his behalf. Private poker games themselves are legal under California law; however, collecting a rake – taking money out of the pot – makes them illegal.

Gilbert Arenas burst onto the NBA scene in the early 2000s, becoming one of the league’s most dynamic scorers. During an 11‑year NBA career with the Golden State Warriors, Washington Wizards, Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies, he averaged 20.7 points, 5.3 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game. He earned three consecutive All‑Star selections from 2004 to 2007 and was named to All‑NBA teams in the same span. The flashy guard was known for clutch shooting, his “Hibachi” catchphrase and his No. 0 jersey – hence the nickname Agent Zero.

Arenas has also cultivated a reputation as an avid poker player. He competed in the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure main event in 2014 and later appeared on the Hustler Casino Live stream for a high‑stakes pot‑limit Omaha game. PokerNews noted that he “handles his chips well” and pays careful attention to the action.

His history with card games is not without controversy. In 2009, a dispute with teammate Javaris Crittenton over a card game escalated into a locker‑room confrontation where both men brandished guns. Arenas pleaded guilty to a felony weapons charge and was suspended for the remainder of the 2009‑10 NBA season.

After his arrest, Arenas appeared in federal court in downtown Los Angeles. He pleaded not guilty and was released on a USD 50,000 bond. His attorney, Jerome Friedberg, reminded reporters that Arenas is “presumed innocent” and deserves the same rights as any other citizen. The trial is scheduled for 23 September 2025.

If federal prosecutors prove their case, each defendant could face up to five years in prison per count. The investigation involves Homeland Security Investigations, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Major Crimes Division and IRS Criminal Investigation.

The Arenas case underscores the uneasy relationship between professional athletes and gambling. While legal sports betting has exploded in the United States, state laws still strictly regulate unlicensed poker clubs and the taking of rakes. Authorities allege that Arenas used his celebrity to attract high rollers and create an exclusive gambling venue that skirted these regulations. The presence of a suspected organised‑crime figure, the alleged exploitation of female staff and the extra charges of immigration fraud add layers of complexity to the case.

For fans, the news is a shocking turn for a player remembered for his scoring prowess and charisma on the court. For the legal system, it will be a test of how far celebrity influence can push the boundaries of gambling law. Until the court proceedings conclude, Arenas and his co‑defendants remain innocent until proven guilty.