Gambling Syndicate Targeted College Basketball, Records Reveal

Recent investigations into gambling syndicates have revealed alarming patterns of suspicious betting in college basketball. Sportsbooks across North America identified numerous bets made against small-conference teams during the 2024-25 season, raising concerns about potential point-shaving.

Gambling Syndicate Targets College Basketball

Between December 1, 2024, and mid-January 2025, unusual betting activity was noted across at least 11 men’s college basketball games. Nine sportsbooks in 13 states and one Canadian province reported these suspicious wagers, prompting investigations by the NCAA and federal authorities.

Details of the Betting Activities

• Gamblers repeatedly wagered against the same small-conference teams.
• Large bets were placed on first-half spreads, with some customers creating new accounts for higher stakes.
• Consistent betting patterns were linked to five schools under investigation: Eastern Michigan, Temple, New Orleans, North Carolina A&T, and Mississippi Valley State.

One individual, Marves Fairley, was labeled “the main syndicate suspect” by sportsbooks. Fairley, however, denied any wrongdoing, claiming he only sells betting picks.

Federal Investigation and Evidence of Game Fixing

Sources have indicated that the FBI is interviewing college athletes as part of the ongoing investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Allegations suggest that some athletes may have engaged in schemes to fix games.

Documents reveal that, on December 1, odd betting patterns surfaced when a dormant account placed multiple large bets on a game between Norfolk State and Stony Brook. Sportsbooks took action to halt betting due to this activity.

Substantial Bets and Suspicious Coincidences

On December 21, 2024, significant wagers were placed at Harrah’s Gulf Coast casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. Bettors attempted to place high-value bets on games, including:

• $2,500 on Tulsa against Mississippi Valley State.
• Multiple bets totaling over $18,000 on Wright State against Eastern Michigan.

All bets were reportedly successful, further casting doubt on their legitimacy.

Additional Patterns of Suspicious Wagering

As January 2025 continued, additional suspicious wagering was recorded. A BetMGM customer placed a $5,000 parlay bet on Elon while betting against North Carolina A&T became routine.

• Bettors targeted Eastern Michigan, placing significant wagers on Toledo against them.
• Four games involving New Orleans also drew suspicious bets.

NCAA’s Call for Collaboration

With the college basketball season just around the corner, the NCAA is urging sportsbooks to collaborate in preventing further incidents. Tim Buckley, Senior Vice President of the NCAA, emphasized the need for athlete education and regulatory measures against black-market betting.

The upcoming 2025-26 college basketball season starts on November 3, raising concerns about maintaining the integrity of the sport amidst rising gambling activities.