Three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas is all set to rejoice just hours after his release from federal custody. After getting arrested on Wednesday in connection with an illegal gambling ring based out of an LA mansion, he pleaded “not guilty” in court.
As Arenas walked out of the court, he wasted absolutely no time and celebrated his freedom.
Gilbert Arenas Celebrates His Freedom With His Wife
In a video shot by his wife, Melli Monaco, Arenas can be seen dancing around, relishing the fact that he’s not in jail. He was reportedly released on a $50,000 bond and has another court date scheduled for September 23.
If convicted, he could face up to five years in jail, but until then, he’s free. Celebrating that, he danced and sprinted down the stairs, saying, “Can’t hold me, baby; they can’t hold me!”
He posted the video along with the caption, “I’m back on the streets 🗣️ This ain’t got shyt to do with me — just rented the house. Wasn’t a part.”
Gilbert Arenas is free. 😂
[via. Gilbert Arenas/IG] pic.twitter.com/9tOWAuSS8I
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BASKETBALLonX) July 31, 2025
No matter how hard he celebrates right now, the troubling clouds aren’t over for him yet. He is among the six individuals whom the federal prosecutors are indicting for his alleged role in operating a high-stakes illegal poker ring in Encino, California.
What Really Happened With Gilbert Arenas?
The indictment accuses him and the other five individuals of running a full-scale underground casino from a rented mansion between September 2021 and July 2022. The operation reportedly included chefs, valets, armed security, and hired women who offered drinks, massages, and companionship to the gamblers.
The charges against Arenas include conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and making falsified statements to investigators. Prosecutors claim that he denied knowledge of the operation, despite evidence suggesting otherwise. There is also evidence against him regarding customised poker table felts printed with the name and logo “ARENAS POKER CLUB.”
The poker game variants were primarily Pot Limit Omaha, a poker variant known for aggressive play and high buy-ins. Authorities allege players were charged a “rake” per hand, a key factor that qualifies the operation as illegal under U.S. laws.
One of his co-defendants, Yevgeni “Giora” Gershman, is suspected of organized crime connections and allegedly hired staff and collected “taxes” from the women involved.
Another associate, Arthur Kats, was said to have managed logistics like rent collection and staging the mansion. Other individuals charged include Evgenni Tourevski, Allan Austria, Yarin Cohen, and Ievgen Krachun, each reportedly playing a distinct role in managing the games and chips.
Despite the charges, Arenas’ attorney, Jerome Friedberg, insists on his client’s innocence and noted that Arenas, like any citizen, is entitled to due process. He declined to comment further on anything, citing limited time to review the case material.
The former Washington Wizards star last played in the NBA in 2012. While once hailed for his on-court heroics, this case has placed his post-retirement life under a new and unwanted spotlight.
