Nevada Gaming Commission approves $7.8m fine against Caesars

The Nevada Gaming Commission approved a $7.8m fine against Caesars Entertainment for anti-money laundering (AML) violations, following a 4-1 vote carried out as part of its monthly meeting on November 20.

The lone holdout, Commissioner Rosa Solis-Rainey, desired a higher penalty forced upon Caesars, as she believes it should not have taken seven years for the operator to discover the actions of illegal bookmaker Mathew Bowyer.

Despite the Commissioner's request, the $7.8m fine enforced upon Caesars still represents the fifth-highest penalty ordered by the Nevada Gaming Commission in state history.

The Nevada regulator has previously fined Resorts World Las Vegas and MGM Resorts International for its involvement in the AML violations, having been given penalties of $10.5m and $8.5m, respectively.

As part of the settlement, Caesars also agreed to improve AML controls at its eight Las Vegas Strip hotels as well as at its properties in Reno, Nevada and managed Tribal casinos in California.

"We fully cooperated with the Nevada Gaming Control Board throughout its investigation and are committed to maintaining strong anti-money laundering and 'know your customer' programs," Caesars said in a prepared statement.

"We take our compliance responsibilities seriously and are dedicated to continuously strengthening our practices to meet and exceed the highest standards."

According to a plea agreement with federal authorities, Bowyer employed agents and sub-agents, including casino hosts, who worked for the illegal gambling operation and were paid a portion of the losses that bettors incurred.

Former Resorts World Las Vegas President and COO Scott Sibella was dismissed from his role in September 2023 after being found to have violated federal anti-money laundering rules throughout his tenure.

The $7.8m fine will be payable to the state's General Fund, while "specific conditions" are set to be placed upon Caesars' gaming approvals.