Why was Gilbert Arenas arrested? Taking a closer look as former NBA star targeted in high-stakes gambling operation linked to organized crime

Gilbert Arenas was arrested early Wednesday in connection with an illegal, high-stakes poker ring allegedly run out of his Los Angeles mansion. According to reports, Arenas is one of six defendants named in an indictment that includes a suspected high-level Israeli crime figure.

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Reports claim that Arenas hosted Omaha poker games, where young women were hired to serve drinks, offer massages, and keep players company.

A statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office read:

"According to the indictment returned on July 15 and unsealed today, from September 2021 to July 2022, (suspected organized crime figure from Israel Yevgeni) Gershman, Arenas, and the other defendants operated an illegal gambling business. Arenas rented out an Encino mansion he owned for the purpose of hosting high-stakes illegal poker games. At Arenas’ direction, Arthur Kats, 51, of West Hollywood, staged the mansion to host the games, found co-conspirators to host the games, and collected rent from the co-conspirators on Arenas’ behalf."

Arenas now faces charges including conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators. Each count carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison if convicted.

Fans react to Gilbert Arenas’ arrest

The news of Gilbert Arenas’ arrest spread like wildfire, leaving social media in shock. Many fans expressed their disappointment at the former All-Star.

Adrian Morris

@Adrian_R_Morris

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Come on Gil... First the Guns now illegal Gambling? Gil's Arena to Gil's Arrested smh

Lakers🏆🏀

@_LakeShow23

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Guess his podcast is done…

Denzel Pumpington

@afcstat

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Damn fist the Morris twin now Gilbert, they’re cracking down on these NBA players 😭

floridanow1

@floridanow1

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Sad to hear, how many $$millions did Arenas make in his NBA career? And he needed more?

Chet Rodgers

@patternrecogniz

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Another thug behind bars

A fan even dug up a clip from his Gil’s Arena podcast that showed him celebrating the fact that Terry Rozier had not been charged after being investigated in a betting scandal. Ironically, during the same episode, Arenas also mocked Malik Beasley for allegedly being involved in gambling linked to league games.

Gilbert Arenas played professionally in the NBA for 11 seasons, representing the Washington Wizards, Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic, and Memphis Grizzlies. Across 552 regular season games, the guard averaged 20.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.3 assists, receiving three All-Star and All-NBA Team selections.

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About the author

Advait Jajodia

Advait Jajodia is an NBA, WNBA, and tennis journalist at Sportskeeda with over four years of experience in the field with The SportsRush.

Advait has a love of basketball that stems from playing the game, and has represented Mumbai North at the Inter-District State Championship and Maharashtra at the ASISC National Games.

His favorite team is the New Orleans Pelicans, although Advait also has an affinity for the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs. His favorite player of all time was Kobe Bryant, as the Lakers legend's undeniable talent and mentality were just unignorable. As for players in the current game, Stephen Curry, Zion Williamson, Victor Wembanyama, and Kyrie Irving are top of Advait's list.

When not watching or writing about sports, Advait is a fan of true crime shows, board games and console gaming.

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