On May 15, the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) announced that Wynn had agreed to pay a $5.5 million fine after the regulator had filed a complaint on the same day. The agreement is pending approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission on May 22.

Wynn Las Vegas Fine Related To a Federal Probe of AML Failures

The proposed Stipulation for Settlement between the regulator and Wynn comes after NGCB filed a complaint for disciplinary action on May 15. 

The complaint alleges that the operator used improper business practices, including “unregistered money transmitting businesses, facilitating international monetary transactions, allowing proxy betting, and other prohibited monetary transactions.”

According to NGCB, former Wynn employees allowed international patrons to move money for gambling and place wagers on behalf of others, violating the company’s AML protocols.

The Nevada regulator’s complaint concerns Wynn’s September 2024 Non-Prosecution Agreement with the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California. In that agreement, the company agreed to forfeit $130 million to settle a federal investigation into AML violations.

After resolving the federal case, NGCB opened a separate investigation, to which Wynn fully cooperated. In addition to the $5.5 million fine, Wynn will implement enhancements to its AML procedures and provide additional employee training.

MGM and RWLV Also Fined Over Similar Lapses

Wynn’s fine marks Nevada’s third high-profile AML enforcement case this year.

In March, RWLV agreed to pay a $10.5 million fine, the second-largest in Nevada gaming history. The Nevada regulator imposed a substantial penalty for regulatory violations related to engaging with illicit bookmakers, including Damien LeForbes and Mathew Bowyer.

Bowyer ran an illegal operation with over 700 clients and had ties to MLB star Shohei Ohtani’s disgraced former interpreter. Bowyer used the illicit funds from his operations to gamble at RWLV. He lost over $8 million, including $1.2 million in two months.

NGCB accused the company’s former President, Scott Sibella, and other executives of negligence and failing to report Bowyer’s suspicious activities as part of AML protocols.

Bowyer was also connected to another fine imposed by the NGCB. In April, MGM Resorts International agreed to pay an $8.5 million fine for similar AML protocol failures. 

Like in the RWLV case, Bowyer used proceeds from his illegal operations to gamble at MGM properties on at least 300 occasions. Meanwhile, another illegal bookie, Wayne Nix, lost nearly $5 million at MGM properties.

The connection in both cases is Sibella. Before he became RWLV President, he was the President of MGM Grand Casino. In 2024, the former executive pleaded guilty to violating the Bank Secrecy Act. 

He received a one-year probation and a $9,500 fine. Later, Sibella agreed with Nevada regulators to surrender his gaming license, ending his casino industry career in the state.

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Tuesday’s ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Gordon effectively allows Kalshi to keep offering its sports-related event contracts in Nevada as litigation continues.

The judge also rejected the board’s counterclaims, which sought its own temporary restraining order and an injunction to halt Kalshi’s operations in the Silver State immediately.

Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour acknowledged the ruling on social media site X (formerly Twitter), saying he is “grateful for the court’s careful attention to this matter and recognition of Kalshi’s status as a CFTC-regulated exchange.“Onto the next step.”Up next: a status hearing on April 30. 

Kalshi Holding its Ground Following Suit

Kalshi sued gaming regulators in Nevada after receiving cease-and-desist orders on March 14—the first action taken against the predictive market at the state level. Since then, five other states—New Jersey, Illinois, Maryland, Ohio, and Montana—have served similar notices to Kalshi, Robinhood, and Crypto.com.

Because it is a federally regulated platform, Kalshi claims it is not required to follow state-by-state gambling regulations or taxation laws.

Similar to stock trading, Kalshi allows users to buy and sell contracts for real-world events, including the U.S. presidential election and the Super Bowl. Last month, it introduced single-game betting markets for the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments. Notably, those markets were available in all 50 states, not just those with legalized sports betting.

The company also partnered with Robinhood, launching a Kalshi-powered prediction market hub for the platform’s 25 million users. Crypto.com has also joined the sports event contract frenzy. Both Robinhood and Crypto.com have received similar cease-and-desist letters from state regulators. 

Speaking last Friday at TechCrunch’s StrictlyVC conference in San Francisco, Mansour said he’s “not necessarily very concerned” about ongoing legal threats from states like New Jersey and Nevada and that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is Kalshi’s primary regulator.

“If the CFTC tells us to stop, we will absolutely stop,” he said. “If they don’t, then we won’t.”

Mansour has previously said that prediction markets such as Kalshi are “initially misunderstood.”

“They are the quintessential truth machines,” he wrote last month on X. “With trust in traditional institutions at an all-time low, people are turning to prediction markets at an astronomical pace. The growth of the ecosystem in the last year is a testament to how important they have become to the American people.”

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Playgon, along with its affiliate Bitrate Productions, has been accused of producing live casino content with live dealers in Nevada without having the appropriate licensing to do so. 

Signed by the regulator’s Chairman Kirk Hendrick, the order suggests that Bitrate’s live-streamed games, such as Baccarat and Roulette, which are broadcast to casinos globally require appropriate licensing from the Nevada Gaming Commission. 

Bitrate has not secured the licensing deemed necessary by the NGCB, and Playgon actually outlined via legal counsel in 2016 that Bitrate’s services would not require a NGC licence due to being ‘for entertainment purposes only’. 

The NGCB has determined that Bitrate’s live casino services have expanded beyond social gaming, explaining the need for the cease and desist order.

The letter, dated July 18, demands that Playgon, Bitrate and all affiliated entities cease all unlicensed activity by 5pm on July 26. Failure to comply with the order may lead to criminal or civil action being taken by the regulator. 

Responding to the regulatory action, Hendrick affirmed: “The NGCB will take all necessary actions to enforce Nevada’s gaming laws and regulations.”

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Following the final approval by the Nevada Gaming Commission, FanDuel and Boyd will open a FanDuel Sportsbook at the Fremont Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas early next year, as part of the latter’s ongoing $50m expansion of the property. 

FanDuel Group’s subsidiary, Betfair Interactive US, received approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission for an operator of information service licence and a manufacturer/distributor licence. 

Moreover, Betfair Interactive also received a recommendation of approval from the Nevada Gaming Control Board on August 10.

Based near the Third Street entrance, close to the Filament Bar, the FanDuel Sportsbook at Fremont Casino will stretch over 2,300 square feet and serve as a one-stop-shop for fans to experience sporting events while placing wagers. 

The sportsbook will be open year-round and feature four betting windows, two LED video walls, a 40-foot bar, 15 tables, two drink rails, seating for 76 customers, 14 odds/promo screens and seven IGT PlaySports self-service betting kiosks. 

FanDuel’s Sportsbook expansion into Nevada marks the 17th state in which it features, joining Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, Kansas, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington, Washington DC and West Virginia. 

Of those states, the opening of the Fremont sportsbook will expand the Boyd/FanDuel partnership to eight states including properties in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Pennsylvania.

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Hard Rock 

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas has named Joe Lupo as the President of the future property.

Subject to regulatory approval of Hard Rock International’s purchase of The Mirage Hotel & Casino from MGM Resorts International, Lupo will take over the role once the Nevada Gaming Commission licensing process has concluded. 

“As president of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City for the past four years, Joe Lupo has achieved amazing results,” said Allen. “Thanks to his dedication and expertise, financial results continue to outperform expectations, while our team members share an unmatched commitment to guest service and satisfaction. 

“I am confident Joe Lupo will achieve even greater success at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas.”

Moreover, in Atlantic City, Anthony Faranca is set to become the President of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City – subject to regulatory approval – from September 1. 

A Philadelphia native, Faranca has extensive experience managing large gaming properties in several states including Maryland, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

“Anthony’s deep knowledge of the Atlantic City and Northeast region is an invaluable asset to the company,” explained Allen. “We are confident that Anthony will continue Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City’s legacy of success and impactful leadership in the community.”

FanDuel

Andrew Sneyd has become the Executive Vice President of Marketing at FanDuel, which will see him oversee the core marketing functions across the firm’s complete suite of brands. 

Formerly the Senior Vice President of Brand, Sneyd will now steward growth marketing, media, customer engagement, and marketing operations, in addition to brand and product marketing strategy, creative, customer insight, press relations and partnership activation. 

Mike Raffensperger, Chief Commercial Officer for FanDuel Group, noted: “Since his arrival at FanDuel, Andrew has elevated our creative efforts and continued our explosive growth. His acumen for brand marketing has separated us from the field and under his leadership, I expect that we will continue to make moments matter more for our customers.” 

Prior to joining FanDuel, Sneyd served as Vice President, Brand Marketing & Strategy at Priceline. Before joining Priceline in 2017, he held multiple marketing leadership roles at Anheuser Busch InBev.

AstroPay

UK-based AstroPay has appointed Fayyaz Ansari as the firm’s Chief Financial Officer who will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the payments firm’s global financial management activities. 

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to join AstroPay as the next step in my career,” commented Ansari. “I am excited about working with a team that is passionate about the business, has a clear strategy and always puts customers’ needs first. 

“With its commitment to global expansion, a strong business model, a focus on diversity and proud history, AstroPay is well positioned for extraordinary growth and impact. 

“I believe the company’s unique value proposition and strong foundation will allow the business to grow and execute its vision of making payments much more accessible to customers around the world.”

AstroPay added that its new CFO has also managed banking, investments and financial systems, and was also involved in fundraising and coordinating an exit via a trade sale/IPO.

Mikael Lijtenstein, CEO of AstroPay, remarked: “I am delighted to welcome Fayyaz to AstroPay, where he will undoubtedly make an immediate impact as we aim to become the world’s leading payments platform. 

“His wealth of experience will be essential in implementing our strategic plans to accelerate growth and position AstroPay for the future. 

“Fayyaz and the team will contribute to our mission of providing financial freedom to millions of people worldwide. He is an excellent addition to the AstroPay team and I look forward to working with him in our journey.”

Paysafe

Rob Gatto has been hired the Paysafe’s newly created role of Chief Revenue Officer, who will be tasked with developing the sales functions for Paysafe Card, Neteller and Skrill brands. 

Charged with spearheading the company’s international sales strategy, Paysafe underscored Gatto’s diverse technology background, having executed successful commercial strategies for Tubemogul – a  “programmatic video platform acquired by Adobe Systems for $540m;  NeuStar Inc, a cloud-based, information services company; and as CEO at PointRoll Inc, a leading provider of digital marketing technology”.

“I believe Paysafe is uniquely positioned to offer an unrivalled end-to-end payment offering to both consumers and merchants in the specialised industries it focuses on,” Gatto stated. 

“I’m thrilled to be joining Bruce and the talented Paysafe team at such an exciting time and look forward to playing my part in driving some solid growth across the business.”

OPTX

OPTX has appointed JP Symeonidis as the firm’s Vice President of Sales as the company expands into Canada. 

Symeonidis expressed his enthusiasm in joining OPTX, emphasising: “I’m always there for my customers; I’m very customer driven. After sixteen years in the business, my customers are more like friends. Additional motivation for him to join OPTX stemmed from the inner workings of the company itself. 

“I love the forward-thinking and innovative nature of OPTX. The company’s focus on its product from an operational mindset to better the functionality in casinos aligns with my personal mission to streamline and optimise an industry that serves as an entertainment haven for so many.”

Boasting 19-years of sales experience, 16 of which have been in the gaming tech space, Symeonidis’ prior accolades include working as the Director of Sales for Amaya.

“Considering the success OPTX has had across the states, the decision to expand to Canada was a no-brainer,” Brooke Fiumara, Co-CEO of OPTX, shared. “JP is the perfect puzzle piece fit for V.P. of Sales in Canada. His lengthy resume is only outweighed by the connections he has forged during his time in the gaming tech industry.” 

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The gaming and entertainment facility, which will be the first casino built from the ground up in Reno-Sparks since 1995, promises to deliver “next-level gaming, dining, and entertainment experiences to northern Nevada” that is says will “showcase the latest slots, video poker, table games, and original dining and bar concepts”.

“We deeply appreciate the support of the Nevada Gaming Commission throughout this process and are excited to open later this summer,” said DeCourcy Graham, Olympia Gaming’s chief operating officer.

Legends Bay is also amid recruitment efforts to fill nearly 300 open positions that are now underway online, with weekly hiring fairs set to begin starting in July.

The leadership team is hiring team members for open positions in several departments including food and beverage, casino, Circa Sportsbook, engineering, security, surveillance, information technology and more.

Upon opening later this summer, Legends Bay Casino will feature a casino that it says will feature “the newest and most popular” slots, table games, live keno, as well as Northern Nevada’s only Circa Sports sportsbook, a rewards program, and promotions.

“We can’t wait to not only bring 300 new and rewarding jobs to the community but also to introduce next-level gaming, dining, and entertainment experiences to the Reno-Sparks area,” noted Court Cardinal, regional president of Olympia Gaming, the operator of Legends Bay Casino and Casino Fandango. 

“We encourage people who are looking for a wonderful new job opportunity to get a head start by applying online at legendsbaycasino.com to join our team.”

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Following the approval, which sought to provide casino customers in the state with a “streamlined cashless experience”, Nevada casino visitors will now be able to create, verify, and fund their cashless wagering accounts remotely.

The change will enable Sightline to implement digital identity verification on behalf of its operator partners in Nevada.

“We are grateful to the Nevada Gaming Commission for their unanimous support of this regulatory change allowing remote identity verification for wagering accounts in Nevada,” said Omer Sattar, co-CEO of Sightline Payments.

“Continuous innovation is critical to ensure Nevada remains at the forefront of gaming, and we could not do that without the support of our regulators. 

“I would like to thank all the members of the Nevada Gaming Commission and Nevada Gaming Control Board for their efforts, and I would like to specifically thank Gaming Control Board member Phil Katsaros, who was a champion of this change.”

First submitted in late 2020, Sightline resubmitted its petition to modify Nevada Regulation 5.225 in September 2021 following the launch of cashless gaming at Boyd Gaming’s Aliante Casino in North Las Vegas and Resorts World Las Vegas.

The new regulation allows Nevada casino patrons to create wagering accounts and verify their identity remotely by uploading a government document. 

Before this regulation change, cashless gaming customers at Nevada casinos needed to physically verify their identity with a staff member, which Sightline stated resulted in delays and a suboptimal consumer experience. 

This change only impacts the creation of casino wagering accounts and will not affect current practices for creating sports betting accounts in the Silver State.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board unanimously voted to recommend the remote identity verification for wagering accounts change to the Nevada Gaming Commission after holding two workshops in November and December 2021. 

Jennifer Carleton, Sightline‘s chief legal officer, concluded: “This shift to allow for digital identity verification for wagering accounts allows Nevada’s gaming industry to leverage the best practices from across the financial services industry to enhance customer security and the customer experience. 

“Nevada’s new regulation is in line with federal guidance permitting both new verification methods including knowledge-based authentication, as well as traditional documentary measures such as a customer’s driver’s licence or passport. 

“We look forward to working with regulators in gaming jurisdictions across the country to advance similar regulatory innovation.”

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An affiliate of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, SMGHA Nevada is set to close the transaction and become owners of Palms Casino Resort with plans to reopen next year in the spring. 

“We are grateful for this opportunity to share our long-standing tradition of hospitality with Las Vegas and execute our vision for this iconic resort, starting by welcoming back former and current Palms employees,” said SMGHA chairwoman Latisha Casas. “Together, we will create history.”

In addition to the casino, Palms includes more than 700 hotel rooms and suites, multiple casual and upscale dining options, meeting and convention space, a 2,500-seat theater, pool and spa, and Palms Place condominiums.

Recruitment for more than 1,000 positions ranging from casino, operations, hotel management, food and beverage along with supervisor positions is underway.

“We would like to extend a sincere ‘thank you’ to Red Rock Resorts and their leadership team,” said SMGHA’s management committee member, Laurens Vosloo. “We deeply appreciate the support and ongoing partnership they provided as we worked through the transition of ownership.”

Echoing Vosloo, Palms’ general manager, Cynthia Kiser Murphey, noted that it was an honour to reach the milestone. She continued: “As we forge ahead, it’s important we bring forward the strong values and culture of the Tribe into everything we do at the property.

“From team member culture to exceptional guest service, it’s our intent to create a lively and fun environment not only for customers but our dedicated staff as well.”

Prior to opening the property, the Tribe has supported Las Vegas-based community groups and nonprofits by contributing more than $10m to organisations including UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hospitality and William S. Boyd School of Law; the Public Education Foundation; Three Square Food Bank and Shade Tree Shelter. 

Additionally, the Tribe has partnered with local sports teams through sponsorships with the Las Vegas Raiders, Allegiant Stadium, and the Vegas Golden Knights.

Earlier this year, the Tribe unveiled the first of a three-part expansion project at the casino, adding more than 6,500 slot machines, a new high-limit gaming room, retail shops, bars and new restaurants. 

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Gamstop

Gamstop has announced an expansion of its senior leadership team, having appointed Simon Reynolds as a non-executive director of the national online self-exclusion scheme.

The responsible gambling awareness organisation has expressed confidence in the ‘knowledge and experience’ of safe betting policies and procedures due to his 30 years’ of cross-sector experience in the industry.

The new hire’s former positions include the role of compliance director for Entain, while he most recently served as the chief compliance officer for Buzz Bingo.

Jenny Watson, chair of Gamstop, said: “We are delighted that Simon has agreed to join the board and look forward to working with him in the future. 

“We will always put the consumer at the heart of our service but it is important for us to also hear from operators and I know Simon will bring welcome insight to our discussions.”

Allied Esports Entertainment

Allied Esports Entertainment has appointed Roy Anderson as the company’s chief financial officer effective immediately,succeeding Anthony Hung, who served in the position from September 2019 until his resignation last month.

He brings more than 25 years of experience to Allied Esports Entertainment, and is lauded as boasting “deep expertise” in financial management, financial reporting, mergers and acquisitions, internal controls, and risk management.

“It gives me great pleasure to announce the appointment of Roy Anderson as our new Chief Financial Officer,” noted Libing (Claire) Wu, CEO, president and general counsel of Allied Esports Entertainment. 

“Roy brings strong leadership qualities, financial acumen and strategic M&A experience to our executive team. 

“This, combined with his broad-based industry expertise, makes him ideally suited to lead our finance and accounting activities as we continue our previously announced process to explore M&A opportunities. I am delighted to have Roy join our senior leadership team.”

Nevada Gaming Commission

Former Nevada district court Judge Jennifer Togliatti has been appointed to the Nevada Gaming Commission by Governor Steve Sisolak, alongside former state Senator Ben Kieckhefer.

Retiring from the bench in 2019 after 30 years of work as a judge and Clark County deputy district attorney, Togliatti was nominated for a federal judgeship during the Trump administration but never received a confirmation vote in the Senate.

Kieckhefer, who was first elected to the state Senate in 2010, was termed out of his legislative seat but announced his resignation from the Legislature last week.

According to the Nevada Independent, Sisolak described Togliatti and Kieckhefer in a statement as ‘highly qualified appointments’ for the NGC, adding: “This commission is the gold standard of gaming regulation, and these appointments will continue to honor that.”

Luckbox

Real Luck Group, and its licensed, real money esports and sports betting subsidiary companies doing business as Luckbox, has announced the appointment of David Conde as its new head of data.

He will oversee the group’s business intelligence efforts, including optimizing customer acquisition and retention campaigns: a key aspect of its player marketing efforts, which is on track to begin by the end of the year.

Thomas Rosander, Real Luck Group CEO, stated: “At Luckbox, we are striving to offer players a 3.0 betting experience, and having superior business intelligence is an important part of that, so we are delighted to have David on board with us.

“With sophisticated use of data and AI, we are able to offer each player a highly customized experience, so that everyone feels like a VIP. 

“As we strive to build a scalable business to become a dominant player in the space, David is an important addition to the team and his skillset will help us drive revenues through increased conversion on acquisitions and higher customer retention levels.”

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Firstly, the organisation has been given the green light by the Nevada Gaming Commission to operate in the state for an initial two-year period, as GVC secured the required regulatory approvals.

As a result of receiving the NGC go-ahead, the organisation stresses that it clears the way for its Roar Digital entity, established in July of last year alongside MGM Resorts International, to receive its licence to offer online betting and gaming, which is currently limited to poker, within Nevada on a B2C and B2B basis.

Furthermore Roar Digital, which strives to “take advantage of the new opportunities created” following PASPA’s overruling, has also received a transactional waiver from the New Jersey Department of Gaming Enforcement.

Allowing the entity to operate in the state of New Jersey, this second approval allows Roar Digital to offer online gaming and sports betting products within the Garden State.

Kenneth Alexander, GVC CEO, commented: “I am delighted the Nevada Gaming Commission has confirmed that GVC meets its stringent regulatory requirements, in order to offer betting and gaming products in the state.

“Coming at the same time as Roar Digital receives a transactional waiver to operate in New Jersey, GVC and our MGM joint venture are hitting important milestones which pave the way for the creation of a market leading US betting and gaming business.”

Earlier this month GVC re-emphasised its ambitions for the US, as the group again called on the industry to unite and help drive global social responsibility measures, in the face of increasing scrutiny.

Coming in its latest financial report, the firm outlined a vision to become “the world’s largest sports betting and gaming business” alongside “the safest and most trusted operator in the world”.

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