Nevada Officials Arrest Two for Gambling Fraud
The state charges Steven Vasquez and Matthew Martin with conspiring to manipulate college basketball betting outcomes.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Gambling
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Authorities in Nevada arrested Steven Vasquez and Matthew Martin in September 2026 on felony charges related to fraudulent gambling activities. The arrests follow an investigation into suspicious wagers placed on a Fresno State basketball game held on January 7, 2025.
Why it matters
The case highlights concerns regarding integrity within college sports following an investigation into betting activity during the 2024-25 season. The scheme allegedly involved sharing performance information to influence wagers.
Steven Vasquez and Matthew Martin face Class C felony charges that carry potential prison sentences of one to five years. The wagers on the January 7, 2025, basketball game generated $15,950 in net winnings.
The players
Steven Vasquez
He is a former college basketball player who was permanently banned by the NCAA in September 2025.
Matthew Martin
He is an individual accused of placing wagers on statistical performance metrics tied to specific players.
Mykell Robinson
He is a former basketball player who was permanently banned by the NCAA in September 2025.
Samuel Silverman
He is an individual arrested in May 2026 for his alleged role in distributing illegal betting winnings.
The details
Investigators allege that Vasquez and Martin conspired to cheat at a gambling game by placing wagers on statistical unders for former player Mykell Robinson. Payments were reportedly distributed between Samuel Silverman, Vasquez, and members of Robinson's family.
Timeline
2023-24 season: Vasquez and Robinson were roommates at Fresno State.
January 7, 2025: Suspects placed wagers on a Fresno State basketball game.
May 2026: Samuel Silverman was arrested.
August 2026: Arrest warrant issued for Mykell Robinson.
September 2026: Vasquez and Martin were arrested.
Culture Shift
The case follows the 2024-25 college basketball season betting investigation, signaling a broader societal and regulatory push to police internal information sharing in sports betting. This marks a departure from traditional self-policing by athletic institutions toward active state-level criminal prosecution.
Residents should note that Nevada authorities are intensifying the enforcement of laws against fraudulent acts at gaming establishments. These charges serve as a warning regarding the severe legal consequences of conspiring to influence outcomes in regulated betting markets.
The takeaway
Engaging in activities that manipulate sports betting outcomes can result in serious felony charges and long-term prison sentences. Fans and participants should be aware that sharing non-public performance data for betting purposes is a criminal act in Nevada.
Further reading
For more information on legal standards in state gaming, visit the Nevada Gambling section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Deadspin.
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