Will The Fresno State Betting Scandal Help The SAFE Bet Act?

• Three Fresno State basketball players are under investigation for betting on sports as a student-athlete.
• Two of the players ben on their own prop bets, while another focused on professional sports.
• This betting scandal comes at a time when Congress is undergoing discussions about a potential college betting blanket ban.

FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno State’s men’s basketball program has three players under investigation for violating NCAA gambling rules. Two players, Jalen Weaver and Zaon Collins, have been suspended, while a third, Mykell Robinson, has been dismissed from the team.

This controversy comes at a time when lawmakers are pushing for the SAFE Bet Act, a federal measure designed to crack down on sports betting—particularly when it comes to wagering on college sports.

Players Involved and Allegations

The scandal centers around allegations that two of the suspended players placed prop bets on their own performances during games they played in, while the third player is accused of betting on professional sports. The NCAA strictly prohibits student-athletes from gambling on any sport, and betting on their own games raises major concerns about potential point shaving or game-fixing.

Jalen Weaver, averaging 12.5 points per game, and Zaon Collins, contributing 12.0 points and 4.7 assists per game, were key players for the Bulldogs. Their sudden absence before Fresno State’s matchup against Air Force raised eyebrows, with the university citing an “eligibility matter” as the reason.

Meanwhile, Mykell Robinson, a junior forward who had not played since January 11, has been removed from the team entirely. Robinson had been averaging 10.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game before his dismissal.

SAFE Bet Act and Its Impact on College Sports Betting

The timing of this scandal is significant as the SAFE Bet Act, introduced in Congress, aims to place restrictions on legal sports betting with a particular focus on banning wagers on college sports. With concerns over gambling integrity continuing to grow, the bill is gaining traction.

Fresno State’s current situation serves as a high-profile example of why lawmakers are pushing for stricter betting regulations.

If passed, the SAFE Bet Act could force California sportsbooks and betting apps across the country to remove lines on NCAA games and implement tougher compliance measures.

A Growing Problem in College Sports

Fresno State is just the latest university to be hit with a betting scandal. Iowa and Iowa State saw multiple athletes investigated for gambling, and the NCAA has ramped up its enforcement efforts.

The NCAA’s investigation into Fresno State’s players is ongoing, and further penalties could be on the horizon. Meanwhile, the SAFE Bet Act continues to gain momentum, with supporters using cases like this as proof that college sports should not be part of the legal betting market.

As the sports betting industry faces increased scrutiny, Fresno State’s scandal could serve as a turning point for how lawmakers, legal sportsbooks, and universities handle gambling moving forward.

News tags: betting scandal | California | Fresno State Bulldogs | Jalen Weaver | Mykell Robinson | NCAA | SAFE Bet Act | Zaon Collins