Two traders from DraftKings, Matthew Martin and Samuel Silverman, have been linked to an alleged match-fixing scheme involving college basketball. They reportedly conspired with Fresno State players Mykell Robinson and Steven Vasquez to place bets on Robinson's prop markets using the rival sportsbook BetMGM.
Last year, the NCAA banned Robinson, Vasquez, and teammate Jalen Weaver for breaching the organization’s gambling regulations. Conversations between Robinson and Vasquez revealed Robinson planned to underperform in a game against Colorado State on January 7, 2025. He texted, "Playin lil first half may get couple stats, then sitting."
The NCAA stated that Vasquez, Robinson, and an unnamed sports trader wagered a total of $2,200 on Robinson’s prop markets, resulting in payouts of $15,950.
ESPN has identified Silverman and Martin as the implicated traders. In May of this year, Silverman was arrested and has since pleaded not guilty, asserting through his lawyer that he will strongly contest the charges. His attorney, Michael D. Pariente, emphasized their intention to present a defense based on factual evidence rather than public speculation.
During the 2022-23 season, Silverman served as a manager for the Fresno State men’s basketball team as confirmed by the university.
Investigators revealed that Martin placed bets through his account on BetMGM, wagering $2,200 on a parlay involving Robinson's statistical performance at odds of +625. Martin's LinkedIn profile indicates that he continues his role at DraftKings as a trader specializing in player props, collaborating closely with risk management and data science teams.
DraftKings has distanced itself from the scandal, stating that both Martin and Silverman are no longer employed by the company. A spokesperson asserted, "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."
In October of last year, Nevada Gaming Control Board investigators spoke with Martin at DraftKings’ Las Vegas office, where he allegedly confirmed their inquiries about sporting integrity before being interrupted by the company’s lawyers.
The gaming board confirmed that one individual was arrested in May, likely referring to Silverman, but stated that there are several outstanding suspects, with criminal charges still being pursued.
Prior to the Fresno State-Colorado game, BetMGM flagged Martin's wagers as suspicious. A report stated, "At no point during Martin’s wagering history did he wager any similar substantial amounts on prop bets for an NCAA basketball player and never wagered directly on Mykell Robinson."
After the game, Martin withdrew his winnings to PayPal and Bank of America accounts and transferred funds to Silverman. Allegations indicate that Martin retained $11,325 from the payout, while Silverman kept $3,000. Robinson had reportedly sent $200 via his mother to bet on the parlay, earning $1,425 in winnings without implicating her in the scheme.
Following the game, Silverman is also said to have placed a subsequent bet on Robinson’s statistics in a match against Nevada, this time wagering on the overs, which ultimately lost.
