Resorts World Las Vegas Faces $10.5 Million Fine from Gaming Regulators
The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) announced on Thursday evening that it is pursuing a $10.5 million penalty against Resorts World and its parent corporations, as stated in a press release. The penalty would settle a 10-count disciplinary accusation, which revised a 12-count accusation submitted in August.
The NGCB claims that Resorts World, under President Scott Sibella's leadership, permitted convicted federal felons and/or individuals associated with illegal bookmaking to wager at its casino between 2021 and 2023.
Its fine would rank as the second highest in the history of the Silver State, following the $20 million fine paid by Wynn Resorts in 2019 to the NGCB for not properly investigating sexual harassment claims against its ex-CEO, Steve Wynn.
Not According to the Rules
The complaint from the NGCB in August, submitted against Genting Berhad and five other Resorts World operators, claims "inappropriate methods of operation" related to illegal bookmakers Matthew Bowyer and Damien LeForbes.
Bowyer was the unauthorized bookmaker who took bets from the interpreter of LA Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani, as reported by the Associated Press. According to the NGCB, he was permitted to gamble on 80 different days from July 22, 2022, to Oct. 1, 2023, losing $7.9 million in wagers while obtaining comps, promotional chips, discounts, flights on the Resorts World jet, and various other gifts.
LeForbes was a bettor recognized as an illegal bookmaker by a casino host who referred clients to him, as stated by the NGCB. In August 2024, he admitted guilt in California for running an illegal bookmaking operation and for money laundering offenses.
LeForbes incurred a $10 million loss at Resorts World from Sept. 1, 2022, to Dec. 16, 2023, as stated in the NGCB complaint, and additionally received gifts such as complimentary items and promotional chips. His connection with Resorts World concluded when his casino host departed.
“This culture results in the perception and/or reality that Resorts World is an avenue to launder funds derived from illegal activity and/or to further criminal activity causing damage to the reputation of the State of Nevada and Nevada’s gaming industry,” according to the August NGCB complaint.
Sibella lost his gaming license during a different inquiry last December. The investigation examined claims of betting by illegal bookmakers dating back to Sibella’s management of the MGM Grand. A total fine of $7.45 million was imposed on the MGM Grand and Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
The suggested agreement between the NGCB and Resorts World must receive approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission, which has scheduled the topic for discussion at its meeting on March 27.
