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State of Play’s TL;DR
- A former DraftKings sportsbook employee has been charged in Nevada.
- Samuel Silverman has been charged in connection with an alleged betting scheme involving Fresno State men’s basketball.
Samuel Silverman was arrested May 5 in Las Vegas and has pleaded not guilty to felony charges of committing a fraudulent act in a gaming establishment and conspiracy to cheat at a gambling game. The charges are related to an alleged betting scheme involving Fresno State.
GV Wire reported that Silverman previously worked as a sports trader for DraftKings and had also been a team manager for the Fresno State men’s basketball team during the 2022-23 season.
The allegations are tied to a broader case that already led to NCAA penalties. In September 2025, the NCAA permanently revoked the eligibility of Fresno State’s Mykell Robinson, Steven Vasquez, and Jalen Weaver. The NCAA said the violations took place during the 2024-25 regular season.
Silverman’s roommate allegedly involved as well
Among the allegations, Robinson and Vasquez coordinated over text messages in January 2025 to underperform in certain statistical categories in a game. The NCAA said that effort, together with a third party, produced a $15,950 payout from a $2,200 bet.
Robinson allegedly placed 13 daily fantasy sports prop bets totaling $454 and won $618 on one of them. In a separate allegation, Robinson allegedly coordinated multiple bets on teammate Weaver, which led Weaver to place a $50 prop bet that resulted in a $260 payout.
The NCAA investigation began after Fresno State and a sports betting integrity monitor identified suspicious bets involving Robinson. Nevada Gaming Control Board records also say Robinson allegedly manipulated his performance in Fresno State’s Jan. 7, 2025, game against Colorado State.
ESPN reported that Silverman’s former DraftKings colleague and roommate Matthew J. Martin was involved in the alleged fraud. It’s uncertain what role Silverman played.
Nevada Gaming Control Board Chairman Mike Dreitzer said the agency will continue to investigate threats to regulated sports wagering, stating that the board remains committed to protecting fairness and public confidence in the market.
Silverman’s attorney, Michael D. Pariente, told ESPN:
“We will present a vigorous defense of Mr. Silverman in a court of law based on evidence and facts – not in the court of public opinion, polluted by bias, speculation, and rumor.”
Based on reporting by Bill McEwen for GV Wire.
