Ex-DraftKings trader arrested for Fresno State hoops betting plot
Not everything stays in Vegas.A former sportsbook trader at DraftKings has been slammed with two felony charges connected to a college basketball betting scheme.Samuel Silverman, who worked in 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, according to records from the Nevada Gaming Control Board first obtained by ESPN.Silverman has pleaded not guilty through his attorney. Investigators allege that Silverman plotted with Fresno State guard Mykell Robinson, who is accused of intentionally tanking his performance during the Bulldogs’ Jan.7, 2025 matchup against Colorado State.
Silverman’s alleged role was moving money to facilitate prop bets on Robinson while he and his associates cashed in on the guard’s statistical shortcomings. This alleged operation also involved Robinson’s former teammate Steven Vasquez and another former DraftKings sports trader, Matthew Martin, according to investigators.Suspicious betting activity raised red flags at BetMGM before tipoff; multiple parlays were placed that consisted of the Under on various Robinson player props, totaling payouts of $2,200 at +625 odds.Investigators allege those wagers were placed by Martin, who has not been criminally charged.Robinson finished with just three points, two rebounds, no assists and zero 3-pointers in 21 minutes as Fresno State fell to Colorado State, 91-64.The bets paid out nearly $16,000 in profits.Martin allegedly pocketed the winnings before funneling the cash to Silverman, who investigators say parceled it out to the others.After sifting through evidence that included phone records and financial documents, authorities concluded there was a “clear conspiracy” to manipulate player props for profit.
According to the records, Robinson wrote in text messages to Vasquez before the game that he would only be playing the first half and implied his production would be l...