NGCB Archives

Nevada gaming regulators have made the first arrest in a Fresno State men’s basketball betting investigation. The case began with suspicious player prop betting and NCAA eligibility issues. It now includes felony charges, and more suspects may still face action. Good To Know The Nevada Gaming Control Board said one suspect was booked into Clark County Detention Center on May 5. The case centers on prop bets tied to alleged intentional underperformance in a January 7, 2025 Fresno State game. The NCAA has already banned Mykell Robinson, Steven Vasquez and Jalen Weaver from college basketball. Prop Bets Put Fresno State Case On Criminal Track The Nevada Gaming Control Board said Thursday that its investigation into Fresno State games from the 2024-2025 season had ended with one arrest so far. The agency did not name the person charged, citing the ongoing investigation. The board said “Several additional suspects remain outstanding.” The suspect faces three felony counts under Nevada law: fraudulent acts, conspiracy to cheat at gambling, and conspiracy to launder money. Regulators allege that former and current associates connected to college basketball programs used advance knowledge that a player planned to underperform, then bet on player statistic props tied to that information. The board traced the case to a January 7, 2025 game that Colorado State won 91-64. Investigators said multiple people conspired to bet on a player falling short of individual statistical totals. A Nevada sportsbook and a sports integrity monitoring service first flagged unusual betting activity on Fresno State guard Mykell Robinson. They alerted the NCAA and Fresno State, which later suspended several players over what the school called an “eligibility matter.” NCAA Bans Three Players After Investigation The NCAA Committee on Infractions has permanently revoked eligibility for Robinson, Steven Vasquez and Jalen Weaver. The committee found that the players shared information to manipulate prop bet outcomes. Robinson and Vasquez had been roommates at Fresno State during the 2023-2024 season. Vasquez played at San Jose State by the time of the alleged scheme. In the January 7 game, Robinson scored three points after averaging about 10 points per game. Regulators and the NCAA said Robinson, Vasquez and a third party staked $2,200 total on Robinson under lines across different categories. Those wagers paid $15,590. The NCAA report also said Robinson bet on Weaver, with Weaver aware of a small parlay that included both players. Robinson and Vasquez did not cooperate with the NCAA investigation. Weaver cooperated and accepted the violation. NCAA rules trigger an automatic ban when athletes gamble on their own sport. Arrested Person May Be An Associate The identity of the arrested suspect remains unclear. A review of Clark County Detention Center records did not show Robinson, Vasquez or Weaver in custody last month. That points to the possibility that the first charged person may be an associate or intermediary, which would fit the Nevada Gaming Control Board reference to “associates connected to” basketball programs. Regulators said they used subpoenas, financial records, cellphone data and sportsbook reports to build the case. The NCAA also worked with the board during the investigation. The Fresno State case arrives as college sports betting faces more enforcement attention across the U.S. Federal prosecutors in Philadelphia unsealed indictments in January against more than two dozen people tied to an alleged college basketball fixing scheme. The NCAA also banned six players in a separate case involving smaller programs. Player props remain the common risk point. A player can miss a points, rebounds or assists line without needing to change the final score. The NCAA wants states to ban college player prop betting entirely. Maryland, Ohio, Vermont and Louisiana already do not allow those markets. Frequently Asked Questions What was announced? The Nevada Gaming Control Board announced the first arrest tied to the Fresno State men’s basketball betting investigation. What charges does the suspect face? The suspect faces felony counts for fraudulent acts, conspiracy to cheat at gambling, and conspiracy to launder money. Which Fresno State game is under review? The case centers on a January 7, 2025 game between Fresno State and Colorado State. Which players did the NCAA ban? The NCAA permanently revoked eligibility for Mykell Robinson, Steven Vasquez and Jalen Weaver. How much did the prop bets pay? The NCAA and regulators said $2,200 in total bets produced $15,590 in payouts. Why are college player prop bets under pressure? Player props can create risk because one athlete can underperform in a single statistic without changing the whole game result.

NGCB

Nevada Makes First Arrest In Fresno State Betting Case

IGT and Everi Merger Approved; Apollo Closing Deal July 1

Apollo Gets Nevada Approval for IGT and Everi Merger

NGCB Halts Playgon Interactive’s Live Dealer Production