Poker Pro Admits to Involvement in Vegas Gambling Scandal, Faces Sentencing

A man from Long Beach, California has pleaded guilty to federal charges of money laundering and running an illegal sports-betting operation in the U.S. District Court of Central California. Damien LeForbes, a 43-year-old professional poker player, admitted to the charges and is set to be sentenced on January 23 in Los Angeles. He could face up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $500,000, or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from his crimes, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Court documents revealed that LeForbes conducted his illicit bookmaking activities in a Las Vegas casino known as “Casino A,” where he was a frequent player. The plea agreement, signed by LeForbes in June, disclosed that he accepted millions of dollars in illegal bets over a span of three years, involving the recruitment of casino hosts to help expand his enterprise – referred to as “the LeForbes Gambling Business.”

The illegal operation processed payments through checks, cash, payment processors, and even cryptocurrency, according to court records. In a separate development, the Nevada Gaming Control Board filed a disciplinary complaint against Resorts World and its associated companies, accusing them of allowing individuals with connections to illegal bookmaking and prior felony convictions to gamble at their establishment. This complaint remains pending adjudication by the Nevada Gaming Commission.

The Control Board’s 12-count, 31-page complaint highlighted several individuals, including Mathew Bowyer, Edwin Ting, Chad Iwamoto, and others, who engaged in millions of dollars worth of wagers at Resorts World, tarnishing the reputation of Nevada’s gaming industry. These individuals were either convicted felons or suspected illegal bookmakers.

In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for Resorts World acknowledged the Control Board’s complaint and stated that the company is cooperating with authorities in the ongoing investigation. The spokesperson emphasized the commitment to conducting business with integrity and in compliance with all relevant laws and industry standards, with a focus on their guests and team members.

For more information, please contact Richard N. Velotta at rvelotta@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3893. Follow @RickVelotta on X.

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