Shaun Benward extradited back to Nevada, accused of ‘multi-state casino fraud scheme’

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has shared that Shaun Benward, who is accused of taking part in a “multi-state casino fraud scheme,” has been successfully extradited back to Nevada from an Iowa correctional facility. 

The Nevada regulator stated: “The NGCB extends its appreciation to the Lyon County, Iowa Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in Benward’s initial 2025 apprehension and for their continued cooperation during the extradition process. 

“Benward is alleged to be part of a multi-state casino fraud scheme. The repeated nature of these alleged offenses and the financial impact on licensed gaming establishments resulted in Benward becoming one of the NGCB’s highest-priority subjects, ultimately leading to the issuance of multiple felony warrants for his arrest.”

Benward has been charged with three felony counts of fraudulent acts and three felony counts of conspiracy to violate the Nevada Gaming Control Act. 

Even before the charges were introduced, Benward was placed onto the NGCB’s list of excluded persons in December 2023 after multiple violations of Nevada gaming laws and being trespassed from 17 casinos across the state. 

“The NGCB remains fully committed to locating offenders, wherever they may be, to ensure they are brought to justice,” NGCB Enforcement Division Chief Kristi Torgerson said. 

The regulator also arrested one suspect linked to suspicious sports wagering activity involving the Fresno State men’s basketball program and a player’s intentional underperformance during a January 7, 2025 matchup on June 11. 

An investigation conducted by the Nevada regulator unveiled the alleged conspiracy, which involved former and current associates connected to collegiate basketball programs. 

The associates allegedly coordinated and illegally profited from proposition wagers made based on their inside knowledge of a player’s intentional underperformance.