Gilbert Arenas Says “He’s Snitching” Following Arrest On Illegal Gambling Charges

Gilbert Arenas is facing federal charges after being arrested and tied to an alleged illegal gambling operation reportedly ran out of his Encino, Calif. mansion. And according to the NBA star, he’s not worried because he won’t be going down for the accusations.

The former NBA All-Star didn’t hold back during a recent livestream following his arrest. Instead of ducking the heat, Arenas boldly declared that when the legal drama goes to court, he won’t be worried. “Good luck in court,” he said. “I’m pretty sure I ain’t gonna be there when it’s starting to go, ’cause yeah… I’m snitching.”

See at the 09:20 mark.

The 43-year-old was arrested Wednesday (July 30) on multiple charges, including conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators. The case stems from high-stakes poker games allegedly hosted at his Encino mansion.

After pleading not guilty in court, Arenas posted a video on X dancing down the courthouse steps and bragging, “They can’t hold me,” while flexing his $50,000 bond receipt. He also insisted the charges “ain’t got sh*t to do with me,” claiming he simply rented the property and what went down inside was out of his hands.

Per the indictment, one of Arenas’ associates allegedly ran illegal “Pot Limit Omaha” poker games at the home. Five others were arrested in connection to the case, including Yevgeni “Giora” Gershman, who prosecutors believe is a high-level figure in an Israeli crime organization.

Upon his arrest, hilariously, Arenas said he recognized one of the arresting officers from his childhood, revealing, “This is the only time you actually stopped me, brother. This is the best defense you done had ever since we was little.”

If convicted, Arenas faces up to five years in prison for each of the three charges. His trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 23.

Arenas’s gambling news follows fellow NBA star, Marcus Morris Sr., who appeared in court on the same day of Arenas’court appearance, after being arrested for allegedly owing an outstanding casino marker, according to his agent Yony Noy.

TMZ Sports reported, however, that Morris wrote a $115,000 check at the MGM Grand back in May 2024, which reportedly bounced, and repeated the same move at the Wynn Las Vegas for $150,000 a month later. Both incidents allegedly triggered arrest warrants earlier this year.

The 35-year-old was taken into custody at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Sunday (July 27) and is awaiting extradition to Nevada. His agent, Yony Noy, took to X shortly after news of the arrest broke and called the situation “absolute insanity,” adding, “Just so everyone understands this is zero fraud here or whatever crap outlets have said regarding fake checks or whatever the hell.”

He further explained, “This is due to an outstanding marker with a casino. Apparently if you have over $1,200 they can issue a warrant for your arrest. Absolute insanity!”