Nevada Makes First Arrest in Fresno State Basketball Point-Shaving Scandal

  • A suspect is in custody stemming from the 2025 Fresno State basketball scandal
  • Law enforcement officials in Nevada say additional suspects remain outstanding
  • The NCAA alleges that several Fresno St. players fixed games

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) announced Thursday (June 11) that it has arrested the first suspect in a coordinated point-shaving conspiracy surrounding the Fresno State men’s basketball team, warning that criminal charges are actively being pursued against additional individuals.

Fresno State betting scandal Nevada Gaming Control Board
Richie Saunders #15 of the Brigham Young Cougars battles for a loose ball with Mykell Robinson #11 of the Fresno State Bulldogs during the second half of their game at the Marriott Center on Dec. 11, 2024, in Provo, Utah. Robinson was one of three Fresno State men’s basketball players accused of betting against themselves during the program’s 2024-25 season. (Image: Getty)

The NGCB recently concluded its investigation into suspicious sports wagering activities surrounding the Fresno State men’s hoops program during the 2024-25 season.

The state gaming regulatory agency said the probe found an alleged conspiracy involving former and current players to coordinate and illegally profit from prop wagers tied to individual players’ intentional underperformance.

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,” said NGCB Chairman Mike Dreitzer.

As a result of the investigation, the NGCB said a suspect was arrested and booked into the Clark County Detention Center on three counts, including fraudulent acts, conspiracy cheating at gambling, and conspiracy money laundering.

The NGCB release did not name the person arrested to avoid compromising the ongoing investigation. If convicted on the three felony charges, the defendant faces 20 to 30 years in state prison, hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines, and restitution.   

NCAA Findings 

In September 2025, the NCAA permanently revoked the eligibility of Mykell Robinson, Steven Vasquez, and Jalen Weaver, all of whom played for Fresno State, after the NCAA Committee on Infractions found that the players bet on one another and tipped off outsiders about likely underperformances.

The NCAA probe was commenced after a sports integrity monitoring service and a Nevada sportsbook tipped off the college sports governing body about suspicious wagering activity linked to the trio. The NCAA found text messages between the three discussing which games each would underperform in a specific statistical category.

Bets rolled in on the players’ prop bets, which normally wouldn’t have otherwise attracted much action.

The NCAA said for the Jan. 7 matchup between Fresno State and Colorado State, three bets totaling $7,200 were made on Robinson. Fresno State lost the game 91-64, and Robinson finished with just three points on 1-4 shooting, two rebounds, and zero assists.

As a result of Robinson allegedly throwing the game, the NCAA said $15,950 in winning bets were distributed among the cohorts. Sports betting remains prohibited in California, prompting the alleged syndicate to make the bets in neighboring Nevada with an online sportsbook.

More Arrests Possible

The NGCB said its investigation into the Fresno State basketball betting scandal remains active.

“Several additional suspects remain outstanding, and criminal charges are being actively pursued. No further details are being released at this time to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation,” the Board said.

Devin O'Connor
Devin O'Connor Senior Reporter

Devin O'Connor is a senior reporter for Casino.org, covering politics, casino business, and gaming news.

Devin came on board with Casino.org in 2014. He lives in Arlington, Va.

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