Caesars to pay $7.8m penalty over alleged illegal gambling in Las Vegas
Caesars has implement a series of remedial measures following the allegations linked to Mathew Bowyer’s illegal gambling activity at Caesars Palace.
US.- Caesars Entertainment has agreed to pay a $7.8m penalty related to “unsuitable operating methods” following allegations related to alleged illegal gambling at Caesars Palace casino in Las Vegas. The operator had already agreed to a $8.5m penalty in relation to complaints of unlicensed gambling at MGM Grand and The Cosmopolitan by bookmaker Mathew Bowyer and former Minor League Baseball player Wayne Nix.
The new settlement proposed by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) also stipulates conditions to be placed on Caesars’ gaming approvals. According to the regulator, it “details numerous remedial measures implemented by Caesars” and outlines conditions, mainly related to improvements to Caesars’ anti-money laundering (AML) programme as well as additional training for employees.
The regulator found that Caesars’ AML procedures were “ineffective in identifying a customer’s source of funds and accurately assessing allegations of illegal activity.” Caesars has undertaken to update is programme and report revisions directly to the NGCB chair. The company’s chief legal officer or chief compliance officer will also be required to meet with the board when requested to review compliance.
The company will also need to provide in-person training to casino hosts, independent agents, player development staff, marketing teams, and any employee authorised to extend $50,000 or more in credit. Directors will also need to received annual AML training, and Caesars must appoint a designated person to handle AML decisions, including customer suspensions or reinstatements.
Bowyer pleaded guilty to federal illegal gambling charges in California last year. In March, Resorts World Las Vegas agreed to pay a $10.5m fine for allowing Bowyer to gamble there.
The new penalty against Caesars will be considered for approval by the Nevada Gaming Commission at its monthly meeting on November 20. The fine would go to Nevada’s General Fund. Under the settlement, the company does not admit nor deny any allegations and it waives its right to present evidence or pursue judicial review.
