Resorts World Las Vegas Faces $10.5 Million Fine from Gaming Regulators

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) is seeking a $10.5 million fine against Resorts World and its parent companies, according to a press statement it released on Thursday evening. The fine would resolve a 10-count disciplinary complaint, which amended a 12-count complaint filed in August.

The NGCB alleges that Resorts World, acting under President Scott Sibella, allowed convicted federal felons and/or those tied to illegal bookmaking to gamble at its casino from 2021 to 2023.

Its fine would be the second largest in the Silver State’s history, after a $20 million fine paid by Wynn Resorts in 2019 to the NGCB for failing to properly investigate sexual harassment allegations against its former CEO, Steve Wynn.

Not by the Book

The NGCB’s August complaint, filed against Genting Berhad and five other Resorts World operators, alleges “unsuitable methods of operation” with regard to illegal bookmakers Matthew Bowyer and Damien LeForbes.

Bowyer was the illegal bookmaker who placed bets from the interpreter of LA Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani, according to the Associated Press. He was allowed to gamble on 80 separate days between July 22, 2022, and Oct. 1, 2023, the NGCB alleges, losing $7.9 million in bets while receiving comps, promo chips, discounts, flights on the Resorts World jet, and other gifts.

LeForbes was a gambler known host to be an illegal bookmaker by a casino host who sent him business, according to the NGCB. In August 2024, he pleaded guilty in California to operating an illegal bookmaking business and money laundering charges.

LeForbes lost $10 million at Resorts World between Sept. 1, 2022, and Dec. 16, 2023, according to the NGCB complaint, and was also given gifts including comps and promo chips. His relationship with Resorts World ended when his casino host left.

“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 was stripped of his gaming license in a separate investigation last December. That probe looked into allegations of gambling by illegal bookmakers stemming back to Sibella’s control of the MGM Grand. A combined $7.45 million fine was assessed against the MGM Grand and Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

The proposed settlement between the NGCB and Resorts World would need to be approved by the Nevada Gaming Commission, which lists the matter on the agenda for its meeting on March 27.