Urgent Update: FBI Investigates Massive College Basketball Betting Scheme

UPDATE: New reports confirm that the FBI is actively investigating a sophisticated betting scheme involving college basketball, with alarming evidence of potential point-shaving. Documents obtained by ESPN reveal that sportsbooks flagged dozens of suspicious bets against small-conference teams in at least 11 men’s college basketball games from December 1, 2024, to mid-January 2025. This urgent matter raises serious concerns about the integrity of college sports.

Authorities have identified unusual betting patterns, with at least nine sportsbooks in 13 states and one Canadian province reporting similar activities. The bets were predominantly placed against the same teams repeatedly, with some gamblers opening new accounts or returning after periods of inactivity to place significant wagers on first-half spreads. These developments are under scrutiny as the NCAA and federal authorities work to uncover the extent of this alleged gambling syndicate.

A key suspect, Marves Fairley, a Mississippi man known for selling betting picks online, has been named as the “main syndicate suspect.” Fairley has denied any wrongdoing, asserting, “I sell picks.” However, documents indicate that several bettors linked to Fairley placed large bets that were easy winners, raising red flags among sportsbook operators.

According to multiple sources, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has begun interviewing college athletes, and indictments are anticipated. Evidence suggests plots to fix games, with the investigation focusing on programs including Eastern Michigan, North Carolina A&T, and Mississippi Valley State.

The investigation began on December 1 when an alert was issued about unusual betting on Norfolk State to cover the first-half spread against Stony Brook. A previously dormant account suddenly placed nine $300 bets, prompting sportsbooks to halt wagering due to the suspicious activity. Norfolk State eventually covered the spread, but the incident triggered alarms across the betting community.

In another alarming incident, bettors at Harrah’s Gulf Coast casino in Biloxi, Mississippi, placed a series of large bets on December 21, totaling tens of thousands of dollars on games involving Mississippi Valley State and Wright State. Some bets were attempted at amounts as high as $20,000 but were denied, showcasing the urgency and scale of this gambling operation.

The investigation has also linked Fairley to past suspicious wagers at various sportsbooks, and further connections have emerged with a former Temple player under investigation for allegedly betting on his own games. As the NCAA continues to monitor these developments, it is clear that the upcoming college basketball season could be significantly impacted.

With less than a month until the 2025-26 college basketball season tips off on November 3, the NCAA has called upon sportsbooks and regulators to collaborate in preventing further cases of suspicious betting. Tim Buckley, NCAA senior vice president for external affairs, emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity of college sports.

As this story develops, stakeholders in the gambling industry are being urged to remain vigilant. The ability to identify suspicious betting activity is crucial as authorities aim to combat bad actors in the sports world. The upcoming weeks will be critical for both the NCAA and the FBI as they work to address these urgent concerns.

Stay tuned for more updates as new information emerges regarding this evolving investigation.