Professional poker player Damien LeForbes has recently pled guilty to charges of illegal bookmaking and money laundering at a casino in Las Vegas. LeForbes, known for his appearance on the eighth season of High Stakes Poker in 2021, admitted to running an illegal sports betting operation in California and Nevada. The operation, which took in millions of wagers from bettors in both states, involved an affiliate scheme where agents were recruited to bring in new players in exchange for a percentage of their losses.
LeForbes operated the sportsbook under the guise of a shell company named DJL, using various methods such as cash, cryptocurrencies, and PayPal to move money around. The operation lasted from around January 2021 to the end of December, during which LeForbes executed more than $17 million in checks at a casino referred to as “Casino A.” Additionally, he presented $2.8 million in cash and wagered over $148 million at the venue in total.
The identity of “Casino A” remains undisclosed, but LeForbes has been linked to Resorts World Las Vegas in the past. Reports indicate that LeForbes owed $12.3 million to the casino and had also written a bad check for $2.5 million. Other individuals, including Matt Bowyer, who was also involved in illegal bookmaking and recently pled guilty in a California court, were mentioned in connection to the betting scandal surrounding the interpreter of baseball star Shohei Ohtani.
Furthermore, Resorts World Las Vegas is currently under investigation by the Nevada Gaming Control Board for allegedly allowing illegal bookmakers to launder money. The complaint filed by the board mentioned Bowyer as one of four bookmakers, along with Edwin Ting, Chad Iwamoto, and a fourth unnamed individual, who could potentially be LeForbes.
As a result of his guilty plea, LeForbes could face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of either $500,000 or double the gross profit or loss of the business, whichever is greater. The plea agreement, signed by LeForbes in June and filed in court, outlines the extent of his involvement in the illegal sports betting operation and money laundering activities. The case has brought to light the illegal activities occurring within the gambling industry and the repercussions faced by those involved in such operations.
Overall, the admission of guilt by Damien LeForbes sheds light on the underground world of illegal sports betting and money laundering in the casino industry. The investigation into these activities has also raised concerns about the potential involvement of other individuals and establishments, such as Resorts World Las Vegas. As the case unfolds, more details are expected to emerge regarding the extent of the operation and the implications for those involved.