Resorts World Las Vegas has strategically enlisted the expertise of former Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval and ex-Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) Chair AG Burnett to navigate its current regulatory and financial challenges. The move comes as Resorts World, which is located on the Las Vegas Strip, seeks to address its recent commercial difficulties and improve its compliance standing after facing significant penalties. This development unfolded during an NGCB licensing hearing held on Wednesday, where the newly revamped board of directors was under scrutiny. This strategic reshuffling is crucial as the casino aims to stabilize its operations in a highly competitive market.
The involvement of Sandoval and Burnett, both seasoned figures in Nevada’s gaming regulation landscape, indicates a concerted effort to bolster the casino’s management and regulatory compliance. Sandoval, who has served in multiple high-profile roles including Governor of Nevada and chair of the Nevada Gaming Commission, was appointed chair of the Resorts World board last November. Burnett, known for his tenure as NGCB Chair, joins the effort to enhance the casino’s regulatory adherence. Both were actively involved in the licensing discussions along with Genting Berhad’s CEO, Kong Han Tan, and Genting Plantations’ CEO, Keong Hui Lim. Their appointments are part of a broader strategy to rectify past regulatory breaches, including a $10.5 million fine related to anti-money laundering (AML) deficiencies, the second-largest in Nevada’s history.
Resorts World, which opened in mid-2021 and was the most expensive casino development in Las Vegas at $4.3 billion, has faced financial strain since its inception. The casino’s performance has been impacted by the AML issues and broader market pressures within Las Vegas. Sandoval expressed confidence in the new leadership’s ability to improve the situation, highlighting the implementation of rigorous compliance measures. This focus on compliance is crucial as the casino was one of several on the Strip to face hefty AML-related fines in 2025, following sanctions involving the convicted bookmaker Mathew Bowyer.
The casino’s previous management saw significant changes following the scandal, including the revocation of the former president Scott Sibella’s gaming license. The restructuring included the hiring of Carlos Castro as president and Michelle DiTondo as a board member, both of whom previously had ties to MGM Resorts under the guidance of Jim Murren, the former Resorts World chair. Murren stepped down to oversee the UAE’s gaming regulator, paving the way for Sandoval’s ascent.
Burnett’s involvement is particularly noteworthy given his extensive regulatory background and the clear need for a robust compliance culture at Resorts World. He has been vocal about the comprehensive overhaul of the casino’s compliance systems and management practices. “We’ve seen significant positive changes in the approach to compliance and governance,” Burnett stated, underscoring the critical need for ongoing vigilance and oversight.
From a commercial perspective, the involvement of Tan and Lim from Genting’s corporate offices in Singapore demonstrates the parent company’s commitment to improving the performance of its Las Vegas venture. Their participation highlights Genting’s strategy to leverage global expertise and resources to rectify past missteps and enhance the casino’s market position. The broader Genting group is also focused on expanding its footprint in the U.S. market, having secured a license for a major casino development in New York City.
Despite the challenges, the leadership at Resorts World remains resolute in turning the casino’s fortunes around. Tan has publicly acknowledged the lessons learned from the Bowyer incident, advocating for the establishment of a property-level board as a mechanism for improved oversight. This governance structure is now being considered for implementation at other Genting properties, including the upcoming New York casino.
The regulatory scrutiny and management changes at Resorts World Las Vegas underscore the challenges facing operators in maintaining compliance in complex jurisdictions like Nevada. The casino’s strategy involves not only addressing past issues but also ensuring a sustainable operational model that can withstand the competitive pressures of the Las Vegas market.
As the newly appointed board prepares for its presentation to the Nevada Gaming Commission on February 26, the focus will remain on furthering compliance improvements and stabilizing financial performance. How effectively Resorts World navigates these challenges could serve as a barometer for the broader industry, particularly in managing regulatory risk and operational complexity in high-stakes gaming environments. The outcome of the upcoming commission meeting will be critical in determining the next steps for the casino’s leadership and its market trajectory.
4.6/5
