BREAKING: Federal and NCAA investigators have intensified their probe into a suspected gambling operation targeting men’s college basketball games during the 2024–2025 season. The investigation is fueled by a series of unusual betting patterns across 13 US states and one Canadian province, raising fears of a potential game-fixing ring.
Reports indicate that over a six-week period, numerous odd bets emerged, suggesting organized efforts to manipulate game outcomes. Notably, at least nine sportsbooks reported strange betting behaviors, particularly on first-half point spreads involving small-conference teams. The pattern includes teams such as Eastern Michigan, Temple, and Mississippi Valley State, which are already linked to an ongoing NCAA probe involving 13 ex-players accused of violating gambling regulations.
The investigation’s timeline reveals that the oldest suspicious bets date back to December 1, 2024, when significant money was placed on Norfolk State to defeat Stony Brook in the first half. Bettors, many using new or dormant accounts, placed large wagers that were swiftly profitable. A few weeks later, Mississippi casinos reported groups of gamblers appearing with cash amounts in the tens of thousands, further raising red flags.
In an alarming twist, internal reports from sportsbooks revealed that substantial bets were also placed on matches involving Tulsa and Wright State, both linked to the ongoing investigation. Caesars Entertainment, which operates several sportsbooks, has initiated its own inquiry and uncovered connections among the bettors. This led to the arrest of one individual on charges related to drugs and money laundering, who has since confessed in a separate federal case.
The spotlight now shifts to Marves Fairley, a self-proclaimed betting advisor from Mississippi, viewed as a central figure in this unfolding scandal. Fairley, whose betting activity has caught the attention of sportsbooks, vehemently denies any wrongdoing, asserting that his business simply provides betting picks.
The US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania is reportedly preparing to file charges, while the FBI has engaged with several college athletes as part of the investigation into potential game-fixing activities.
In a statement, IC360, a company monitoring betting integrity, emphasized that the collaboration between regulators and sportsbooks highlights the robustness of a well-established betting market, even as it uncovers concerning behaviors.
As the new season approaches on November 3, the NCAA has called for stricter measures against offshore betting operators and has urged more states to limit proposition bets on college athletes. Officials have reiterated that maintaining the integrity of college sports requires a unified effort among leagues, regulators, and the betting industry.
With the investigation still ongoing, authorities are determined to prevent a repeat of the suspicious betting activities witnessed last winter. The implications of this probe could significantly impact the upcoming college basketball season and the integrity of the games as fans prepare for the action ahead.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
