Ex-DraftKings Trader Charged in Fresno State Bet Scandal

A former DraftKings sports trader faces felony charges in Nevada over a betting scheme involving a former Fresno State basketball player. Prosecutors allege the player intentionally underperformed in a 2025 game to help the group profit. Samuel Silverman, a former DraftKings Sportsbook employee, was arrested in Las Vegas on May 5. He was charged with committing a fraudulent act in a gaming establishment and conspiracy to cheat at a gambling game, both Class C felonies under Nevada law. Silverman has pleaded not guilty. The charges stem from a Nevada Gaming Control Board investigation into suspicious betting involving Fresno State's basketball team.

Inside the Alleged Fresno State Betting Scheme

Investigative records reviewed by ESPN allege Silverman conspired with former Fresno State player Mykell Robinson, his ex-teammate Steven Vasquez, and former DraftKings sports trader Matthew Martin. DraftKings confirmed Silverman and Martin worked as sports traders in its Las Vegas office in 2025, though neither was responsible for setting college basketball odds. Investigators say Martin placed three same-game parlays worth $2,200 on Robinson's unders in points, rebounds, assists, and three-pointers for a Jan. 7, 2025, game against Colorado State.

Robinson played 21 minutes, finishing with three points, two rebounds, and no assists.

The bets returned about $15,950. Authorities allege Silverman helped distribute the proceeds, with roughly $11,325 going to Martin, $3,000 to Silverman, $1,425 to Robinson, and $200 to Vasquez.

NCAA Investigation and Nevada Gaming Board Findings

The charges stem from an NCAA investigation in September 2025, which found Robinson, Vasquez, and former teammate Jalen Weaver had violated gambling rules. All three were permanently ruled ineligible. The NCAA said at the time that Robinson and Vasquez had coordinated wagers on Robinson's performance ahead of the Jan. 7 game, resulting in the same $2,200 bet and roughly $15,950 payout described in the newer investigative records.

Nevada's Gaming Control Board announced in June that it had concluded its probe into suspicious wagering on Fresno State men's basketball games during the 2024-25 season. The regulator confirmed one arrest and said additional suspects remain under investigation, with further charges being pursued.

More Prop-Bet Scandals Rattle College Basketball

The charges mark the latest case involving alleged manipulation of college basketball prop bets. Former Eastern Michigan player Jalen Smith, described as a fixer in a point-shaving scheme, pleaded guilty earlier this year. Alleged bookmaker Marves Fairley later entered a guilty plea in a related NBA and NCAA game-fixing case. In June, the NCAA permanently ruled former Iona player Adam Njie Jr. ineligible over alleged involvement in that scheme.

Separately, the NCAA banned six players from the University of New Orleans, Mississippi Valley State University, and Arizona State University in November 2025 for gambling violations. The governing body has repeatedly urged regulators and sportsbooks to eliminate college player prop bets, arguing they carry the greatest integrity risks.