Resorts World Las Vegas Faces $10.5M Fine for Alleged AML Deficiencies

This recent development could lead to another blemish on the operator’s name, as the past few months have seen the company suffer a series of setbacksImage Source: Shutterstock.com

Resorts World Las Vegasand its affiliated companies are set to pay a $10.5 million fineafter an investigation showed the casino permitted gamblers tied to illegal bookmaking operations and individuals with federal felony convictions to playfreely at the venue. The settlement, filed Thursday with Nevada’s gambling regulator, is the second-largest fine in state history. 

The Venue Allowed Known Illegal Bookmakers

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) complaint outlines serious violations related to illegal bookmakers Mathew Bowyer andDamien LeForbes, revealing a concerning pattern of money laundering at the casino. Bowyer faced significant scrutiny during a high-profile investigation concerningLos Angeles Dodgerspitcher Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter, who allegedly placed bets with him. NGCB reports show that Bowyer wagered at Resorts World 80 timesand lost $7.9 million.

LeForbes, another major figure in the complaint, was a known illegal bookmaker who frequently visited Resorts World since it opened in 2021. A casino host was aware of his backgroundbut still facilitated his gambling, even sending clients his way. LeForbes pleaded guiltyin California in August 2024 to charges of illegal bookmaking and money launderingafter losing approximately $10 millionat Resorts World.

The NGCB contends that such incidents create a perception that Resorts World is a hub for money launderingand criminal activity, potentially harming Nevada’s gaming industry and reputation. However, the regulator pointed out that the resort has already initiated “remedial measures” to address regulatory issues, with a heightened focus on strengthening its AML program.

Resorts World Will Address Underlying Issues

The settlement deal involves Genting Berhad, the parent company of Resorts World Las Vegas, along with five other subsidiaries. As part of the settlement, the venue will implement enhanced anti-money laundering (AML) safeguards, including more frequent reporting to the NGCB and updated training for its compliance committee.

Furthermore, Resorts World must keep AML training records for a minimum of five yearsand addmore compliance personnelto ensure individuals with criminal convictions related to illegal gambling or money laundering do not gamble at the property. Key executives must also attend an AML seminar hosted by the University of Nevada, Las VegasInternational Center for Gaming Regulation.

Resorts World Las Vegas has reached a pending settlement with the NGCB. We look forward to the Nevada Gaming Commission considering the settlement and ultimately resolving this matter.

Resorts World Las Vegas statement

Resorts World appears to have ngaken the NGCB’s recommendations to heart and has initiated a restructuringof its management team. The casino has appointed former MGM Resorts International Chairman and CEO Jim Murren, former NGCB Chairman A.G. Burnett, and former Nevada Gaming Commission Chairman Brian Sandoval to its board of directors. The NGCB will determine the fate of the proposed settlement on 27 March.