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A high profile poker player is the latest to be named as connected to a massive probe into illegal bookmaking and money laundering tied to Vegas executives. In recent days we learned that the understaffed Gaming Control Board has now been assisting with the investigation.
Famed Vegas beat reporter John L. Smith has spoken with multiple sources claiming that Poker pro Damien LeForbes is one of five gamblers and suspected bookies banned from casino properties. Gambling911.com cannot independently confirm whether LeForbes is indeed working as a bookmaker, but Smith confirms that the poker player is represented by longtime Las Vegas attorney David Chesnoff. Two other banned players are as well.
He urges the press and poker room parrots not to rush to judgment of his clients. Getting 86’d from a casino isn’t a crime, and the attorney says he has another concern.
“If gaming companies need to know their customers that is their obligation as licensees,” Chesnoff said in a statement. “However, without findings in a court of law or in a hearing conducted with due process, they also deny people access to the non-gaming parts of the resorts, and that raises serious constitutional questions.”
LeForbes live poker earnings stand at just shy of $60,000, including a win at the $ 500 No Limit Hold'em Big Poker Oktober - 2007, Los Angeles (Bell Gardens).
Two big name bookies with ties to Vegas casinos have been making waves of late.
IRS Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations agents as part of the El Camino Real Task Force Investigations are currently investigating an alleged $16 million theft from Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani by his former translator, Ippei Mizuhara. The former translator is accused of stealing millions from Ohtani's bank account to pay gambling debts owed to illegal bookmaker Matt Bowyer.
In Las Vegas, Bowyer was known as a high-roller at Resorts World Las Vegas, according to Smith. He is now cooperating with the federal investigation.
Then there is Wayne Nix, the Southern California bookmaker who is front and center of the FBI probe.
In January, former MGM Grand president, Scott Sibella, 61, pleaded guilty to one count of failure to file reports of suspicious transactions tied to Nix.
Investigators say that Nix was permitted by Sibella to gamble at MGM Grand and affiliated properties with illicit proceeds generated from the illegal gambling business without notifying the casino's compliance department.
There were also allegations that Sibella allowed Nix to receive complimentary benefits at the casino, including meals, room, board, and golf trips with senior executives and other high-net-worth customers.
MGM has acknowledged the ongoing investigation into potential bookie ties to Vegas executives.
MGM Resorts International Chief Counsel John McManus stated responded to Smith's request for further information, “Regarding the federal investigation relating to Mr. Nix, MGM Resorts cooperated fully with federal law enforcement authorities. We produced numerous documents at their request and facilitated witness interviews. We believe that the federal authorities interviewed everyone at MGM Resorts who they deemed appropriate to interview.”
Citing privacy concerns, McManus said, “we are not going to comment on their status and confirm whether they are current or former customers.”
- Chris Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
