In a noteworthy legal development, the U.S. District Court in Nevada has decisively dismissed a comprehensive lawsuit filed against the Las Vegas Strip casino, Resorts World Las Vegas, and its former top executive, Scott Sibella. The dismissal, rendered with prejudice by Judge Miranda M. Du, effectively prevents the lawsuit from being filed again, drawing a line under this high-profile case.
Detailed allegations and court dismissal:
The lawsuit was initiated by Robert “R.J.” Cipriani, who gambles under the moniker RobinHood702. Cipriani accused the casino and its former president of several serious charges, including negligence, civil conspiracy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. His complaints highlighted a purported negligence by the casino management in allowing known criminals to gamble at the facility, which he claimed led to personal harassment and intimidation after he reported these issues.
On a specific incident dated November 19, 2021, Cipriani had a notably distressing encounter at Resorts World. He alleged that he took another gambler’s cellphone in frustration after being recorded without consent, leading to charges of robbery and larceny against him, though these charges were later dismissed. Additionally, on the same day, he faced allegations from state gaming regulators of engaging in back betting while playing blackjack—a claim that added to his legal woes.
In her dismissal, Judge Du concluded that Cipriani did not present sufficient evidence to link Resorts World or Sibella directly to the actions that led to his alleged harassment. The ruling underscored a lack of substantial evidence to support the claims, which contributed to the court’s decision to dismiss the lawsuit outright.
As Las Vegas Review-Journal reports, John Spilotro, representing Sibella’s legal interests, criticized the lawsuit as baseless, remarked, reacting to the court’s decision, “That lawsuit never left the starting grid. The court saw it for what it was.”
Casino under scrutiny: a series of controversies:
Beyond this individual lawsuit, Resorts World Las Vegas has been the center of several other gambling-related scandals and regulatory issues. The Nevada Gaming Control Board has filed a severe 12-count complaint against the casino, accusing it of failing to adhere to necessary anti-money laundering protocols. This complaint highlighted the casino’s alleged facilitation of gambling activities by individuals linked to illegal bookmaking and organized crime, including Mathew Bowyer, a key figure in these allegations.
This pattern of controversy has prompted significant scrutiny over the operational practices and ethical standards upheld by the casino, particularly during the tenure of Sibella, who has faced separate charges related to violations at another property.
The dismissal of Cipriani’s lawsuit does not mark the end of legal challenges for Resorts World. With ongoing investigations and regulatory scrutiny, the casino remains under a microscope, which could have broader implications for its operational licenses and corporate reputation.
According to a recent report by The Nevada Independent, Resorts World Las Vegas is potentially facing millions in fines due to violations of anti-money laundering laws. The report details an ongoing investigation by gaming regulators into the casino’s practices, highlighting concerns about the management’s failure to report and monitor suspicious financial activities. This case underscores the broader issues of compliance and oversight that have been plaguing the casino, further emphasizing the significant regulatory challenges facing Resorts World as it seeks to rectify these serious breaches.
As Resorts World and the wider Las Vegas casino industry navigate these challenges, the outcomes of such legal battles will likely resonate through the gambling sector, potentially reshaping regulatory and compliance strategies.
