Former three-time All-NBA guard Gilbert Arenas was arrested by federal agents on Wednesday for charges related to the operation of an illegal gambling ring. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison.
Arenas, 43, is one of five men named in the federal indictment. One of his alleged co-conspirators has ties to the Israeli crime underworld.
Here’s what you need to know.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Gilbert Arenas arrest, explained
Arenas is facing three charges — 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.
The indictment claims that Arenas and his alleged co-conspirators operated an illicit gambling ring out of Arenas’Â mansion in Encino, Calif.
MORE:Â Alijah Arenas to miss entire 2025-26 season with knee injury
Investigators say that Arenas asked another man, Arthur Kats, to “stage games, find co-conspirators to host games and collect rent from co-conspirators on Arenas’ behalf”, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California said in a press release.
Among Arenas’ alleged accomplices is Yevgeni Gershman, a suspected figure in an “Israeli” organized crime syndicate.
It’s unclear whether Arenas is the mastermind behind the alleged plot. Gershman and his associates reportedly managed games and collected a “rake” fee — a fixed percentage of a given pot that is reserved for the house.
Gershman faces an additional three counts — conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, marriage fraud and making a false statement on an immigration document.
MORE:Â Meet Gilbert Arenas’ family, from 5-star son Alijah to daughter Izela
If convicted, Arenas and his co-defendants face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each count. Homeland Security, the LAPD and the IRS are investigating the case.
