A former DraftKings sports trader is facing felony charges in Nevada after authorities say he took part in a betting scheme tied to a former Fresno State basketball player who allegedly underperformed on purpose during a 2025 game to help cash in on prop bets.
Arrest and Charges
According to investigative records obtained by ESPN, former DraftKings Sportsbook employee Samuel Silverman was arrested in Las Vegas on May 5.
He is accused of the commission of a fraudulent act in a gaming establishment and conspiracy to cheat at a gambling game, both of which are Class C felonies under Nevada law. Silverman has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and his attorney told ESPN he intends to mount a strong defense.
Investigators say the case centers on a January 2025 matchup between Fresno State and Colorado State. Nevada Gaming Control Board records reviewed by ESPN allege that Silverman helped distribute proceeds from wagers tied to former Fresno State forward Mykell Robinson, with the bets placed on Robinson finishing below certain statistical marks.
Reports indicate Robinson played limited minutes and posted modest stats in the game in question, and the wagers connected to his performance reportedly resulted in a payout of nearly $16,000.
Broader Investigation Continues
Silverman is not the only person accused in the case. Officials say another former DraftKings employee, identified as Matthew J. Martin, is also linked to the scheme, along with former Fresno State players.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board announced in June that it had wrapped up its probe into suspicious wagering connected to Fresno State men’s basketball during the 2024 25 season, confirming one arrest while noting that additional suspects remain under investigation.
The agency’s chairman said the board plans to keep pursuing anyone involved in activity that threatens the fairness of legal sports betting in Nevada. Criminal charges against other suspects are reportedly still being pursued.
The controversy follows earlier NCAA action, which permanently barred several former Fresno State players from college athletics after determining they had violated betting rules connected to the same string of games.
DraftKings issued a statement noting that the individuals involved are no longer employed by the company and that the alleged conduct did not take place on its platform.
The case remains active, and further arrests or charges could still be filed as investigators continue reviewing betting activity linked to the program.
