NGCB Goes after Resorts World Las Vegas in Illegal Bookmakers Case

The Nevada Gaming Control Board claims to have found evidence that Resorts World Las Vegas and “its agents” and “affiliated companies” have been complicit with illegal bookmakers, which in turn had ties to organized crime.

Resorts World Faces Damning Allegations in Las Vegas

The allegations come as part of a disciplinary hearing held this Thursday and level serious accusations against the prominent land-based venue. Should these complaints be borne out to be true, the regulator could and most likely would resort to fines as well as other disciplinary actions, the NGCB said in a statement.

The NCGB alleges that millions of dollars in wagers were placed at the Resorts World over an extended and unspecified period, and while this was not in itself an infringement, the watchdog further claims that the property had failed to conduct the prerequisite anti-money laundering obligations.

In a damning statement, the NGCB outlined at length the specific issues that it has taken with the property, saying:

“The culture within Resorts World created the perception, or the reality in certain instances, that Resorts World is an avenue to launder funds derived from illegal activity. The NGCB investigation revealed acceptance among Resorts World executives of a culture where information of suspicious or illegal activity is, at a minimum, negligently disregarded, or at worst, wilfully ignored for financial gain.“

The NGCB has further railed against the reputation-damning implications the case could have both on the State of Nevada and the local gambling industry, which has been trying to shake off any hint that the Silver State’s booming gaming business is tied to organized crime in any capacity, or that such types are tolerated.

Property Ready to Collaborate to Ensure Business Continues as Usual

According to the watchdog, Resorts World has failed to uphold its licensing duty to ward against such types. NGCB Chairman Kirk Hendrick said that all suspected violations will be investigated and disciplinary action will be filed when and if warranted.

Meanwhile, Resorts World has issued an official statement through a spokesperson who said that the property was aware of these proceedings.

The spokesperson also noted that the establishment was committed to upholding the highest regulatory and industry standards and has been in touch with the NGCB to resolve the raised issues so that the property can move forward and continue to serve its guests and employ more than 5,000 team members.