A previous trader for DraftKings sportsbook is currently facing serious criminal charges in Las Vegas due to an alleged betting scheme that involved insider knowledge regarding Fresno State basketball player Mykell Robinson’s intentions to underperform.
Samuel Silverman was taken into custody on May 5 as a result of an inquiry conducted by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) into questionable betting activities linked to a broader scandal in college basketball gambling that emerged in February 2025.
As a result of a follow-up NCAA investigation, Robinson along with former teammates Steven Vasquez and Jalen Weaver received lifetime bans in September 2025.
The NCAA discovered that Robinson and Vasquez colluded to place bets on Robinson’s expected underperformance in a game against Colorado State in January 2025.
Robinson consciously modified his gameplay to ensure that bets placed on his performance “unders” would succeed, while Vasquez facilitated the bets and allocated the winnings, as stated by the NCAA.
At the same time, Weaver acknowledged sharing player-statistics with Robinson and placing a $50 daily fantasy parlay bet involving his own performance alongside Robinson’s and another college athlete. This bet yielded $260.
To date, Silverman is the only individual publicly charged in connection with the Nevada inquiry, although NGCB has confirmed that it is pursuing cases against several additional individuals.
Questionable Betting Trends
The NCAA’s investigation was initiated after a Nevada sportsbook noted suspicious bets on Fresno State’s 91-64 loss against Colorado State on January 7, 2025.
Prior to the game, Robinson informed Vasquez, his former Fresno State roommate who was playing for San Jose State at the time, about his intention to perform below various statistical betting markers, according to the NCAA findings.
Robinson, Vasquez, and an unidentified collaborator collectively wagered $2,200 on Robinson’s performance being lower than the set projections for points, rebounds, assists, and successful three-pointers, as found by the NCAA.
The combined bets resulted in payouts totaling $15,950. Robinson played for 21 minutes, made four attempts at scoring, and concluded the game with three points, two rebounds, no assists, and one successful three-pointer.
Nevada officials assert that another former DraftKings trader, Matthew J. Martin, made three questionable wagers through BetMGM. Martin was Silverman’s former roommate and colleague, while Silverman had also been a manager for the Fresno State men’s basketball team, according to ESPN.
Silverman is accused of funding the bets and later distributing the winnings. Investigators have traced the alleged scheme through financial records, payment accounts, mobile evidence, and data gathered from licensed sportsbooks.
Response from DraftKings
In a statement released to ESPN, DraftKings clarified that the wagers were not placed on its platform and confirmed that both Silverman and Martin are no longer part of the company.
“We strongly denounce the alleged actions of these former employees and remain dedicated to upholding the integrity of sports and sports wagering,” the company remarked.
Silverman is facing charges that include committing a fraudulent act within a gaming establishment and conspiracy to cheat at a gambling game. He has entered a plea of not guilty and is set for a preliminary hearing on August 4.