In a recent scandal shaking the world of college basketball, multiple sportsbooks have reported unusual betting patterns involving a gambling syndicate targeting specific teams in small conferences. These allegations of point-shaving have come to light as the NCAA and federal authorities investigate the suspicious activity that occurred between December 1, 2024, and mid-January 2025. Documents obtained through public records reveal details about the bets placed against at least 11 men’s college basketball games during this period.
According to reports, at least nine sportsbooks across 13 states and one Canadian province flagged several accounts where bettors repeatedly wagered against the same teams. It was noted that these activities often involved large sums, and on some occasions, bettors even opened new accounts to place substantial wagers on first-half spreads for various games. The records indicate that this unusual activity has been observed in the previous college basketball season as well.
One prominent figure in this investigation is a Mississippi man known as Marves Fairley, who sells betting picks online and has been identified by some sportsbooks as a key suspect in this gambling syndicate. Fairley has publicly denied any involvement in point-shaving schemes or the games in question, claiming he only sells picks.
The FBI is actively interviewing college athletes as part of their investigation, and several indictments are expected soon. The NCAA has linked some of these suspicious bets to games involving five schools currently under scrutiny for alleged gambling violations. This includes schools like Eastern Michigan, Temple, and North Carolina A&T.
One case of interest occurred on December 1, 2024, when suspicious bets were placed on Norfolk State against Stony Brook. Reports showed large wagers coming from accounts that had been inactive, signaling potential collusion. The trends continued with notable amounts wagered against Eastern Michigan and New Orleans in several games, leading to increasing concern about the integrity of college athletics.
As these investigations unfold, the NCAA and various sportsbooks are collaborating to prevent further instances of foul play. Tim Buckley, a senior executive with the NCAA, emphasized the necessity of protecting the integrity of the game while also educating student-athletes about gambling risks.
As the new college basketball season approaches, stakeholders in the betting market remain vigilant, hoping that ongoing investigations and cooperative efforts will address these challenges effectively. The 2025-26 season is set to commence on November 3, and many will be watching closely how these situations develop as the season tips off.
