Sandoval and Burnett Licensed to Strengthen Resorts World Compliance

Two former Nevada gaming regulators have joined Resorts World Las Vegas as licensed managers and directors, a move aimed at improving the resort’s anti-money-laundering practices. 

The Nevada Gaming Commission approved the appointments unanimously on Thursday, signaling confidence in the duo’s experience and integrity at the end of a licensing hearing focused on compliance controls.

The Duo, Expected to Operate “Beyond Reproach”

Former Governor Brian Sandoval, Chairman of the board of Resorts World, who also served as attorney general and a federal judge in Nevada, currently leads the University of Nevada, Reno. 

He joined the board a year ago and was named Chair in November, replacing Jim Murren.  The latter recruited him to Resorts as a result of their work together as Governor and with MGM when Sandoval left office.  

A.G. Burnett, former chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, is a partner at McDonald Carano in the firm’s gaming and administrative law group. 

Sandoval chaired the Gaming Commission from 1999 to 2001, while Burnett led the Control Board from 2012 to 2017.

Their licenses come after Resorts World and its parent company, Genting Berhad, were fined $10.5 million in March 2025, the second-largest fine ever levied against a Nevada casino, for lapses in anti-money-laundering compliance. 

Two other Resorts World directors, Keong Hui Lim and Kong Han Tan, were also licensed but did not attend Thursday’s hearing.

When asked about their oversight responsibilities during the meeting, commissioners asked Sandoval to emphasize his active role in compliance efforts. 

“I frequently discuss AML compliance with Jennifer Roberts, the company’s chief compliance officer, making sure she has the resources necessary to do her job properly,” he said.

Commissioners expressed confidence in both men, saying they expected them to operate “beyond reproach” and be “unwavering in doing what is right.”

The 2024 Regulatory Failure

The appointments follow a major regulatory complaint issued against Resorts World in August 2024. 

The Control Board noted that despite having an anti-money-laundering program, the casino allowed individuals with ties to illegal bookmaking and federal gambling convictions to gamble freely, receive comps, and participate in the casino’s offerings. 

The 27-page complaint cited the resort’s failure to prevent these activities and maintain a culture of compliance.

With Sandoval and Burnett officially on board, Resorts World wants to strengthen oversight further while signaling a renewed focus on responsible gambling and anti-money-laundering enforcement.