DOJ Probes Wynn Over Alleged Liquor Kickback Scheme

Wynn Resorts is once again under the microscope, this time over a federal investigation tied to the way liquor contracts may have been handled at its Las Vegas properties. The probe, led by the US Department of Justice (DOJ), is still in its early stages with no charges filed yet. 

Nonetheless, as expected, the allegations raised fresh questions regarding oversight inside one of the gaming industry’s most closely watched companies.

The “Pay-for-Play Scheme”

At the center of the inquiry is whether Wynn employees or associates received improper financial benefits connected to the purchase or supply of liquor products at the company’s casinos. 

Federal investigators are looking at whether certain vendors were favored in exchange for kickbacks or other incentives, and whether internal controls failed to catch or prevent that behavior.

According to gaming media reports, a whistleblower who is in contact with the DOJ has identified Wynn Las Vegas Assistant Vice President of Daylife and Nightlife Ryan Jones as a key figure in the alleged scheme. 

Jones is suspected of collecting millions of dollars over several years through credit cards issued by liquor distributors, described by sources as “a pay-for-play scheme.” 

No Accusations for Wynn

The operator has not been officially accused of any criminal wrongdoings, and the investigation will focus on the financial records, vendor relationships, and internal communications. 

Reports say prosecutors are currently exploring potential violations of federal fraud and bribery laws, though no public indictments have been announced.

The case has added weight because Assistant US Attorney Carl Brooker IV is linked to the investigation. 

Brooker is well known to Wynn, as, in 2024, he successfully prosecuted the company for unlicensed global money transmitting. The case ended with Wynn paying a $130.13 million forfeiture, an amount that was marked as the largest federal levy ever imposed on a single gaming property.

Wynn operates under strict regulatory oversight at both the state and federal levels, under close surveillance from the Nevada Gaming Control Board and federal agencies. 

As a reminder, liquor contracts sit outside core gaming operations, but can involve important money at large resort properties, which turns them into a natural point of focus when doing compliance reviews.

Industry sources say Wynn is cooperating with authorities. In the past, the company has reiterated its commitment to working with regulators and addressing any shortcomings.