Imposed: One of the Heftiest Penalties in Las Vegas History on Resorts World for Money Laundering Activities
In a landmark settlement, Resorts World Las Vegas and its parent company, Genting Berhad, have agreed to pay $10.5 million to resolve money-laundering charges brought by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB). The settlement, approved during the commission's monthly meeting in Las Vegas, is the second-largest in Nevada gaming history, surpassed only by the $20 million paid by Wynn Resorts Ltd. in 2019.
The NGCB alleged that Resorts World, under President Scott Sibella, allowed convicted federal felons and individuals tied to illegal bookmaking to gamble at its casino from 2021 to 2023. As part of the settlement, Resorts World has agreed to implement stricter anti-money laundering protocols and make leadership changes. Sibella was stripped of his gaming license in a separate investigation last December.
The settlement does not require Resorts World or Genting to admit or deny the allegations contained in the NGCB complaint. However, the events the charges refer to occurred in 2022 and 2023, and two individuals, Damien LeForbes and Matthew Bowyer, were named as illegal bookmakers in the NGCB's allegations.
LeForbes, who pleaded guilty in California to operating an illegal bookmaking business and money laundering charges in August 2024, lost $10 million at Resorts World between September 1, 2022, and December 16, 2023. Bowyer, known for placing bets from the interpreter of LA Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani, has not been charged in connection with the Nevada case.
The settlement resolves money-laundering charges brought by the NGCB. However, it is important to note that there is no explicit record of formal money laundering charges against Resorts World or Genting Berhad nor detailed responses from the companies in the current data.
In a separate investigation, a combined $7.45 million fine was assessed against the MGM Grand and Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for similar violations.
The board of directors for Genting was created in January, chaired by former MGM Resorts International Chairman and CEO Jim Murren, and featuring former NGCB chair A.G. Burnett and former Nevada Governor and Nevada Gaming Commission chair Brian Sandoval. Alex Dixon was appointed as CEO of Genting in January.
In a surprising move, Resorts World announced it had laid off "under 50" full-time employees, though it didn't say why or what positions they occupied.
Regarding Resorts World Las Vegas, there was a legal dispute with Wynn Resorts not related to money laundering but over trademark infringement and building design, which was settled with design changes in 2019.
While Gentingβs operations have faced regulatory scrutiny for anti-money laundering compliance issues, there is no explicit record of formal money laundering charges against Resorts World or Genting Berhad nor detailed responses from the companies in the current data. The companies have not publicly addressed these allegations.
- The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has reached a $10.5 million settlement with Resorts World Las Vegas and Genting Berhad, over money-laundering charges.
- This settlement, the second-largest in Nevada gaming history, was reached due to allegations that Resorts World, under President Scott Sibella, allowed individuals tied to illegal bookmaking to gamble at its casino.
- The NGCB alleged these activities occurred from 2021 to 2023, and named Damien LeForbes and Matthew Bowyer as individuals involved in these illegal activities.
- LeForbes, who pleaded guilty in California to operating an illegal bookmaking business and money laundering charges, lost $10 million at Resorts World between September 1, 2022, and December 16, 2023.
- Following the settlement, Resorts World has agreed to implement stricter anti-money laundering protocols and make leadership changes. Sibella was stripped of his gaming license in a separate investigation.
- The settlement does not require Resorts World or Genting to admit or deny the allegations contained in the NGCB complaint, but it does highlight the importance of responsible gambling and following casino-and-gambling regulations.
- In a separate investigation, the MGM Grand and Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas were fined a combined $7.45 million for similar violations.
- Amidst these developments in casino news, it's important to maintain a focus on casino-culture and promoting responsible gambling, ensuring the future of the casino-games and entertainment industry in Las Vegas remains strong.
