Accusations have deepened against Resorts World with the compliance process of the operator being brought under the microscope.
The case is unfolding further after it was found that former Resorts World President Scott Sibella, who resigned last October, pleaded guilty to money laundering charges during his previous tenure at MGM Resorts.
Sibella allowed known illegal bookie Wayne Nix to gamble at the property despite him being aware of Nix’s money-making operation.
The impact of that case continues to be felt however, and a myriad of other players could potentially be dragged in, with the Nevada Gaming Control Board now pursuing a disciplinary complaint against Resorts World Las Vegas and its parent and affiliated companies, as well as individuals working for the property.
Central to the allegations from the NGCB are key violations of the Nevada Gaming Control Act and the Nevada Gaming Commission’s regulations, as it claimed that AML standards simply weren’t met by the operator.
The NGCB has raised warnings that the environment at Resorts World had significant shortcomings in terms of its approach to compliance, becoming an entertainment destination with suspected or direct ties to illegal gambling businesses.
There are accusations that the environment at Resorts World enabled bookie Matthew Bowyer to use funds he had obtained through illegal activity.
Bowyer, who was charged with operating an illegal sports betting ring, agreed to plead guilty on 9 August to operating an unlawful gambling business, money laundering and subscribing to a false tax return for his role in the scheme.
Resorts World’s AML program underlines that it is essential for workers to report suspicious activity and any violations, but the NCGB alleges there was a complete disregard for regulations by the casino when it came to Bowyer and some associates.
There were several Resorts World executives, including Sibella, who had the unilateral authority to ban Bowyer but they allegedly turned a blind eye to his gambling.
The Bowyer case is one of a number of cases that Resorts World is in legal hot water over, with there also being a complaint filed by the NGCB that alleges Resorts World failed to bar, ban or restrict Edwin Ting, who ran an illegal gambling business. In 2014, Ting was sentenced to five months in prison in a New York federal court and ordered to forfeit $2m for running an illegal poker operation that used intimidation to collect debts from players who refused to pay.
MGM Resorts International and BetMGM have renewed their partnership with the American Gaming Association to promote Responsible Gaming Education Month in the US in September.
As part of the collaboration, the GameSense responsible gaming program will be promoted at NFL stadiums “more often and in more prominent venue locations during each game”, providing “positive, transparent and proactive engagements with guests and customers about how to gamble responsibly”.
GameSense messaging will be promoted at: Acrisure Stadium (Pittsburgh Steelers), Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas Raiders), Empower Field at Mile High (Denver Broncos), Ford Field (Detroit Lions), GHEA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City Chiefs), M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore Ravens), MetLife Stadium (New York Jets), Nissan Stadium (Tennessee Titans), State Farm Stadium (Arizona Cardinals).
MGM Resorts and BetMGM had a similar responsible gaming partnership with the AGA in place at NFL stadiums during RGEM last year.
“We’re excited to bring responsible gaming initiatives directly to fans in these NFL venues again this season,” commented Rhea Loney, Chief Compliance Officer at BetMGM.
“We are setting a new standard for safety and awareness in the industry. At BetMGM, we believe that protecting our players and promoting responsible play is essential to the future of sports betting.”
In the coming months, BetMGM will air advertisements with its brand ambassadors sharing engaging messaging similar to its responsible gaming commercial featuring NHL star Connor McDavid.
MGM Resorts is also contributing $440,000 to fund responsible gaming research through the International Center for Responsible Gaming and Kindbridge Research Institute, which aims to “advance industry best practices and fill significant research gaps on under-studied populations, including women military Veterans”.
Stephen Martino, SVP and Chief Compliance Officer at MGM Resorts, noted: “The importance of responsible gaming research funding cannot be overstated.
“As a gaming industry leader, it’s imperative that our company supports efforts to better understand the diverse impact gambling has on various populations, including those that may be at greater risk of developing problematic behaviours.”
During RGEM, MGM Resorts and BetMGM will continue to raise employee awareness of responsible gaming via extensive training.
MGM Resorts’ GameSense advisor program has recently certified more than 500 customer-facing employees, while BetMGM training will include education for VIP staff, in addition to advancing responsible gaming through lived experiences with its EPIC Global Solutions partnership.
GameSense messaging will also be prominently displayed on table games throughout the operator’s properties across the US, with similar messaging on all slot machines, 8,000 of which will feature QR codes for responsible gaming information and education materials.
MGM Resorts’ Las Vegas marquees and more than 35,000 screens across the company’s portfolio will display responsible gaming tips, while improved responsible gaming tools will be released on the BetMGM platform, designed to help players “manage their budgets, stay within their limits and promote a responsible and sustainable entertainment experience”.
MGM Resorts and BetMGM also continue their partnership with the AGA’s ‘Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly.’ public service campaign to educate new and seasoned bettors on responsible sports wagering.
“Collaboration is integral to strengthening our collective responsibility efforts,” added Joe Maloney, SVP of Strategic Communications for the American Gaming Association.
“Both in their work with the AGA and throughout the legal, regulated gaming industry, MGM Resorts and BetMGM continue to be leaders in forming innovative partnerships that are advancing responsible gaming in meaningful ways.”
German Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach is looking to tap into a new collaboration with Queen Casino to grow into the Asian market.
As a result of the deal, Queen Casino will receive exclusive rights that include prominent branding opportunities and visibility during Mönchengladbach’s home matches.
Samuel Deri Divina, Director of Lowkey Ltd, commented: “We are thrilled to partner with Borussia Mönchengladbach, a club with an illustrious history and a vibrant community of supporters. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision of providing premium entertainment and creating unforgettable experiences for our customers.”
The partnership will also extend to digital platforms, with Queen Casino’s brand featuring on the club’s Japanese social media channels to engage its fanbase in the country.
Additionally, the casino will provide unique experiences and exclusive merchandise, enhancing interaction with the side’s fans.Philipp Havermann, Head of Internationalisation and Brand Partnerships of Borussia Mönchengladbach, added: “We are excited to welcome Queen Casino into the Borussia family. This partnership will not only enhance our presence in the Asian market but also bring innovative engagement opportunities for our Japanese fans. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration.”
