A former DraftKings sports trader, Samuel Silverman, faces serious charges connected to a betting scandal involving ex-Fresno State basketball player Mykell Robinson. Arrested on May 5, Silverman is accused of two felonies: committing a fraudulent act in a gaming establishment and conspiracy to cheat. He has pleaded not guilty, according to Nevada Gaming Control Board records obtained by ESPN. Investigators allege Silverman facilitated bets on Robinson underperforming in a Jan. 7, 2025 game against Colorado State.
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Details of the Alleged Scheme
The scheme reportedly revolved around player prop bets, with Robinson deliberately limiting his performance to benefit these wagers. Still, alongside Silverman, former Fresno State teammate Steven Vasquez and another ex-DraftKings trader, Matthew Martin, are implicated. According to Gaming Control Board documents, Martin placed suspicious parlays totaling $2,200 with odds of +625. Still, these bets were flagged by BetMGM before the game even started. Robinson’s lackluster performance—only three points, two rebounds, and zero assists—coincided with net winnings of $15,950 for those involved. Investigators claim Silverman handled the winnings, distributing the proceeds among the conspirators.
DraftKings Distances Itself
DraftKings confirmed that Silverman and Martin were employed as sports traders in its Las Vegas office during 2025 but stated neither was responsible for setting college basketball odds. The company emphasized, “The alleged activity did not occur on DraftKings’ platform,” and asserted that the individuals involved no longer work there. DraftKings maintains a strong stance against such conduct, aiming to protect sports integrity. They’ve conducted an internal review and claim no evidence was found that internal information was used or that customers were impacted. Notably, DraftKings doesn’t operate a sportsbook in Nevada, though it has an office in Las Vegas.
Ongoing Investigation and Broader Implications
The fallout extends beyond individual charges. The NCAA has already sanctioned Robinson and Vasquez, declaring them permanently ineligible in September for violating sports wagering rules. And meanwhile, the Nevada Gaming Control Board’s investigation continues. “The Nevada Gaming Control Board remains committed to protecting the integrity of Nevada’s gaming industry,” said chairman Mike Dreitzer, highlighting their dedication to maintaining public confidence in regulated sports wagering. The board’s probe could lead to additional arrests and charges as they untangle this wider college betting scheme. With industry and regulatory scrutiny on the rise, this case underscores the vulnerability of sports integrity and the ongoing efforts to safeguard it. The investigation doesn’t end here. Further suspects might face charges, and the fallout could ripple through the industry, prompting tougher regulatory measures. The board’s next steps could unfold in the coming months.
Marcus Chen brings a quantitative approach to poker strategy and sports betting analysis. With a background in data analytics and over eight years covering professional poker circuits, his articles combine statistical insights with practical advice for serious players looking to sharpen their edge at the table.
