Urgent Update: Gambling Syndicate Targets College Hoops Games

UPDATE: A major gambling syndicate is under investigation for suspicious betting activity targeting men’s college basketball, with reports indicating dozens of unusual wagers placed against small-conference teams. Documents obtained by ESPN reveal that at least nine sportsbooks across 13 states and one Canadian province flagged these bets over a period of six weeks, from December 1, 2024, to mid-January 2025.

These alarming details come as the NCAA and federal authorities, including the FBI, ramp up their investigation into potential point-shaving schemes. Bettors repeatedly wagered against the same teams, often using newly created accounts, which raised red flags among sportsbooks. Notably, a Mississippi man named Marves Fairley has emerged as a key suspect in the alleged syndicate.

In one incident, a dormant betting account placed nine consecutive $300 bets on Norfolk State to cover the first-half spread against Stony Brook, leading to a suspicious spike in betting activity. Following the investigation, sportsbooks have reported similar patterns in the current college basketball season, indicating that this syndicate’s influence may extend further.

Federal sources indicate that indictments are forthcoming as the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania gathers evidence. The NCAA has flagged five schools—Eastern Michigan, Temple, New Orleans, North Carolina A&T, and Mississippi Valley State—as being central to the investigation involving 13 former players suspected of gambling violations.

Just three weeks after the Norfolk State-Stony Brook game, a group of bettors placed significant wagers totaling tens of thousands of dollars at Harrah’s Gulf Coast casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. In a span of just 45 minutes, they tried to place a $20,000 bet on Tulsa and made several other large bets on college games, all of which were successful.

The NCAA is aware of these suspicious betting activities and is urging sportsbooks and regulators to work collaboratively to protect the integrity of the game. Tim Buckley, NCAA Senior Vice President for External Affairs, emphasized the need for athlete education and stronger regulations against illegal betting practices.

As the start of the 2025-26 college basketball season approaches on November 3, the urgency surrounding this investigation grows. The ability to identify suspicious betting is becoming increasingly crucial as more states legalize sports betting. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected in the coming days.

Stay tuned as we continue to monitor this unfolding story. The implications for college athletics, student-athlete integrity, and the future of sports betting are significant and require immediate attention from all stakeholders involved.