Casino mogul offers to help pay for UNLV to retain departing QB Matthew Sluka


Las Vegas is known for its wealth and high-rolling lifestyle, but none of that fortune will be aiding the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) football team’s recent dilemma with former starting quarterback, Matthew Sluka. The senior who led the Rebels to a 3-0 start this season has departed from the team following a dispute over Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation.

According to sources close to the player, Sluka was allegedly promised a minimum of $100,000 to join the UNLV football program under NIL deals. However, school officials have disputed these claims, stating that no formal offer of such compensation was ever made.

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In an attempt to salvage the situation, Derek Stevens, owner of Circa Resort and Casino, reportedly reached out to UNLV through a representative, offering to pay the money required to keep Sluka on the team.

However, despite Stevens’ intervention, UNLV officials are said to have quickly declined the offer, citing that Sluka had already left the school, and indicating the relationship between the player and the program was beyond repair.

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Fear No Fact.

Don't just take our word for it.


Center-rated reporting

According to media bias experts at AllSides

AllSides Center-rated reporting May 2026

Transparent and credible

Awarded a perfect reliability rating from NewsGuard

100/100

Welcome back to trustworthy journalism.

Find out more