A former DraftKings sportsbook trader has been charged with two felonies for his alleged role in a betting scheme involving former Fresno State basketball player Mykell Robinson, according to Nevada Gaming Control Board records first obtained by ESPN.
Samuel Silverman, who worked as a sports trader in the DraftKings Las Vegas office, was arrested May 5 and charged with committing a fraudulent act in a gaming establishment and conspiracy to cheat at a gambling game. Silverman has pleaded not guilty through his attorney, according to the report.
Nevada sports betting investigators allege Silverman helped facilitate wagers tied to Robinson intentionally underperforming during Fresno State’s Jan. 7, 2025 game against Colorado State. The Nevada Gaming Control Board announced in June that its investigation had resulted in one arrest, adding that criminal charges against several additional suspects were being pursued as part of a larger college betting scheme.
Alleged scheme centered on prop bets
According to the Gaming Control Board records, the alleged scheme also involved Robinson, former Fresno State teammate Steven Vasquez and former DraftKings sports trader Matthew Martin.
Investigators allege Robinson planned to limit his production against Colorado State while wagers were placed on the under for several of his player prop statistics. BetMGM flagged multiple suspicious parlays before the game, including wagers totaling $2,200 at +625 odds that investigators say were placed by Martin. Martin has not been charged with a crime as of this story’s publication.
Robinson finished with three points, two rebounds and no assists in 21 minutes. According to the records, the wagers produced net winnings of $15,950, with investigators alleging Silverman received proceeds and distributed portions of the money to others involved in the scheme.
The Gaming Control Board said its investigation included phone records, financial records and information gathered through separate investigations by both the NCAA and Fresno State. Investigators concluded there was a “clear conspiracy” to place wagers and profit from Robinson’s altered performance, according to the records.
DraftKings: neither worked on college basketball
DraftKings confirmed to ESPN that both Silverman and Martin worked as sports traders in the company’s Las Vegas office during 2025 but said neither had responsibilities setting college basketball odds.
“The alleged activity at issue did not occur on DraftKings’ platform, and the individuals involved are no longer employed by the company,” a DraftKings spokesperson told ESPN. “We strongly condemn the alleged conduct of these former employees and remain committed to protecting the integrity of sports and sports betting.”
The company also said it conducted an internal review and found no evidence that internal information was used or affected customers.
DraftKings does not operate a sportsbook in Nevada but maintains an office in Las Vegas.
Investigation remains ongoing
The alleged betting scheme has already resulted in NCAA penalties. Robinson and Vasquez were ruled permanently ineligible in September after the NCAA determined they violated its sports wagering rules through their participation in the scheme.
The Gaming Control Board said its investigation remains active.
“The Nevada Gaming Control Board remains committed to protecting the integrity of Nevada’s gaming industry and will continue to aggressively investigate any activity that threatens the fairness and public confidence of regulated sports wagering,” chairman Mike Dreitzer said when the agency announced Silverman’s arrest last month.
