Pro Poker Player Faces Up To 15 Years in Prison After Admitting Wrongdoing — Report

Posted on: September 2, 2024, 12:02h. 

Last updated on: September 2, 2024, 12:02h.

Ed Silverstein @casinoorgedsilv Read More

Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

Damien LeForbes, a professional poker player who frequented Las Vegas casinos, agreed to a plea deal last week in California federal court.

He faces as much as 15 years behind bars for money laundering and operating an illegal gambling business, according to the Nevada Current. He also could be forced to pay up to $500K in fines when he’s eventually sentenced.

Prosecutors claim he gambled $148M between January 2022 and December 15, 2023 at an unspecified Las Vegas casino.

Gambled at Resorts World

LeForbes lost about $12.3M in close to 50 visits to Resorts World, the Current reported.

But authorities didn’t say if the $148M gaming total was at Resorts World or another gaming property.

LeForbes also reportedly presented a bad check for $2.5M to Resorts World, according to the Current.

In addition, LeForbes used hosts at the unnamed casino to find him customers, Las Vegas TV station KSNV reported. He also was paid in casino chips from gamblers, the report added.

LeForbes additionally operated an illegal sportsbook for at least five years in California, according to KSNV.

Last month, the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) revealed it wants to financially penalize Resorts World Las Vegas after the casino allegedly let illegal bookmakers gamble without saying from where the money came.

Bowyer Case

Among those named in the NGCB filing was California bookie Mathew Bowyer, 49. In August, he pled guilty to operating an illegal gambling business, money laundering, and subscribing to a false tax return.

He reportedly “transferred or directed the transfer” of at least $9.3M to Resorts World Las Vegas, according to ESPN.

Among Bowyer’s customers were pro athletes, and Ippei Mizuhara, the man who translated for MLB Los Angeles Dodgers star player Shohei Ohtani. Mizuhara stole some $17M from Ohtani to pay off massive gambling debts. Ohtani is seen as a victim.

Also, the NGCB filing named Edwin Ting and Chad Iwamoto. They both were convicted of illicit gambling. Ting is “known to have ties to organized crime,” the NGCB statement revealed.

Federal prosecutors haven’t charged Resorts World Las Vegas, the Current reported. A casino spokesperson has said the gaming property is cooperating with authorities.

MGM Resorts is paying $7.5M for violations at both MGM Grand and The Cosmopolitan, according to the Current. Each signed a non-prosecution agreement with federal authorities, the Current revealed.

LeForbes also owes $1M to The Venetian, the Current has reported.