Former DraftKings Trader Facing Charges in NCAA Betting Scandal
David Genge Published 13/07/2026
A former trader with DraftKings Sportsbook is facing charges for his alleged role in an NCAA basketball betting scheme involving a Fresno State player. Samuel Silverman is facing felony charges relating to a betting scheme involving a Fresno State men's basketball player. The player, Mykell Robinson, allegedly manipulated his performance in a 2025 game.
This is according to law enforcement records from the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) that were obtained by ESPN through an open records request. Silverman is facing charges, including the commission of a fraudulent act in a gaming establishment and conspiracy to cheat at a gambling game.
Silverman pleads not guilty to charges in NCAA betting scheme
The charges against Silverman are Class C felonies. Penalties he could be facing include fines and 1-5 years in prison.
According to his attorney, Silverman insists that he is not guilty of all charges.
"We will present a vigorous defense of Mr. Silverman in a court of law based on evidence and facts -- not in the court of public opinion, polluted by bias, speculation, and rumor," Silverman's lawyer, Michael D. Pariente, told ESPN in a statement. "We have no further comment."
According to Fresno State officials, Silverman worked as a team manager for the men's basketball team from 2022-23. The alleged betting scheme took place in 2025.
The NGCB documents show that the scheme involved Silverman, Robinson, Robinson's former Fresno State teammate Steve Vasquez, and Matthew J. Martin. Martin was a DraftKings colleague of Silverman's and Silverman's roommate.
The plan was for Robinson to manipulate his performance
Fresno State was scheduled to play Colorado State on January 7, 2025. The NGCB records indicate that the plan centered around Robinson manipulating his performance in that game. Robinson was on the floor for 21 minutes in the game. He scored three points, grabbed two rebounds, and dished out no assists.
Silverman is facing accusations of moving money to facilitate player prop bets on Robinson's statistics during the game, and then collecting the proceeds from winning wagers.
Before the game, online sportsbook BetMGM flagged several suspicious same-game parlays involving multiple under legs on Robinson player props. There was $2,220 wagered at odds of +625. The wagers wound up producing a payout of $15,950. Silveman is alleged to be the person who received the winnings and distributed the money among the others involved in the scheme.
So far, Silverman is the only one facing charges. The NGCB says the investigation is ongoing.
"Several additional suspects remain outstanding, and criminal charges are being actively pursued," the NGCB said in a statement. The conclusion reached by NGCB investigators is that a clear conspiracy took place.
Following an investigation, the NCAA wound up declaring both Robinson and Vasquez permanently ineligible. Fresno State also conducted its own investigation.
DraftKings held an internal investigation
DraftKings representatives told ESPN that the company had conducted its own internal investigation of former employees Silverman and Martin. The conclusion of the sports betting operator was that while both men were working as traders at the company in 2025, neither was taking part in setting NCAA basketball odds.
"The alleged activity at issue did not occur on DraftKings' platform, and the individuals involved are no longer employed by the company," the DraftKings spokesperson told ESPN in a statement. "We strongly condemn the alleged conduct of these former employees and remain committed to protecting the integrity of sports and sports betting."
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