Ex-DraftKings Employee Charged Over Alleged College Basketball Fix
A former DraftKings Sportsbook employee has been charged with alleged involvement in an illegal betting scheme featuring a prominent college basketball star.
Samuel Silverman has been charged with committing a fraudulent act in a gaming establishment and conspiracy to cheat. The case also allegedly involves another ex-DraftKings employee and Mykell Robinson, a Fresno State player.
The trio allegedly conspired to manipulate Robinson’s stats during an NCAAB game against Colorado State in January 2025. Silverman and his accomplices are alleged to have made bets on Robinson’s underperformance.
At a Glance:
- Samuel Silverman arrested in May and charged with conspiracy
- Charges relate to a January 2025 NCAAB game involving Fresno State
- Mykell Robinson allegedly intentionally underperformed to affect prop bets
- Nevada Gaming Control Board confirms just one arrest so far
- Investigation covers wider examination into college sports betting
Player prop bets behind Nevada charges
Nevada investigators allege that former DraftKings employees conspired to influence the outcome of a basketball game.
The NGCB has widened its case, saying that another Fresno State player, Steven Vasquez, was also involved.
Player prop bets are at the center of the investigation. Online sportsbooks in many states allow customers to bet on player performance, including totals for shots or points.
Investigators allege that Silverman scooped a profit betting on Robinson’s total finishing stats of three points, two rebounds, and no assists. There was a “clear conspiracy” to defraud online sportsbooks, the investigation suggests.
Speaking to ESPN, DraftKings said, “The alleged activity at issue did not occur on DraftKings’ platform, and the individuals involved are no longer employed by the company.
“We strongly condemn the alleged conduct of these former employees and remain committed to protecting the integrity of sports and sports betting.”
Game-fixing charges coming to light
The NCAA case is not the newest to taint the sport. This month, Iona Gaels player Adam Njie Jr. was permanently banned for game-fixing.
The player agreed to conspire with professional gamblers to shave points in games during the 2024-2025 season. Not all bets paid out, but Njie Jr’s performances were still flagged, and he was ultimately caught.
College sports betting warnings began years ago
Betting on college sports has been a touchy subject since states started regulating sports betting in 2018.
The majority of U.S. states now have regulated online sports betting or mobile sportsbooks.
Many states also allow betting on college sports, but often with restrictions on player props — especially involving home teams. Some states, such as Arizona and Colorado, have imposed an outright ban on NCAA player props.
Last month, Kentucky passed a new sports betting bill that will prohibit selected college sports props. The aim is to deter match-fixing, something that couldn’t have come at a better time given the latest news headlines.
