NYSGC Concerned About Wynn, Resorts World Allegations

This means that while some major gaming and hospitality companies are submitting plans, there are no official bids yet. However, that does not mean that the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) will not be investigating potential bidders.

Recently, Commission Chairman Brian O’Dwyer participated in a public meeting where important topics were discussed, including concerns about two potential bidders for casino licenses. The companies in question are Wynn Resorts and Resorts World Las Vegas, two companies that have been mired in legal trouble and that the chairman says require close scrutiny from the NYSGC.

O'Dwyer highlighted the legal troubles facing both bidders. In particular, he pointed to Wynn Resorts, which recently entered into a record $130 million forfeiture agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice. The agreement followed an investigation that found financial wrongdoing.

Earlier this month, Wynn admitted through a non-aggression agreement that its subsidiary Wynn Las Vegas committed wrongdoing to circumvent the traditional financial system. As a result, the company agreed to pay a large sum to settle the case.

Commenting on Wynn Resorts’ legal troubles, O’Dwyer said, “These allegations are serious, but I must emphasize that in one case the complaint is still pending, and in the other, the DOJ has closed the case without criminal charges.”

Separately, the commission chairman also cited a complaint filed against Resorts World, another potential bidder for a New York casino license. O’Dwyer explained that Resorts World Las Vegas is accused of “violating money laundering laws by allowing illegal sportsbooks to place millions of dollars in wagers.” He described the allegations as “particularly troubling,” whether they involve negligence or willful disregard for financial gain.

O’Dwyer said the commission has a responsibility to ensure that operators seeking a license demonstrate “the highest level of integrity and have robust procedures in place for their employees to ensure strict compliance with our laws and regulations.”

Amid such intense scrutiny, the chairman noted that the commission would continue to review not only the candidates mentioned, but all potential candidates for casino licenses. In closing, O'Dwyer reiterated that the qualifications of all interested candidates would be thoroughly vetted, with particular emphasis on the allegations against Resorts World and Wynn.