Wynn Resorts fined $5.5 million in high-roller recruitment breach

Wynn Resorts has been fined $5.5 million by the Nevada Gaming Commission over a scheme that saw employees facilitate illegal money transfers to attract high-stakes gamblers. It is the third major regulatory sanction imposed on a Las Vegas Strip operator this year.

The Commission approved the settlement in a 4–1 vote, with Commissioner Rosa Solis-Rainey opposing the agreement, arguing the fine was too lenient in light of recent disciplinary measures. The investigation found Wynn employees were involved in unlicensed money transmission activities designed to court international high rollers, particularly from Asia.

Wynn Resorts acknowledged the infractions and stated that the individuals responsible are no longer with the company. “The improper actions were undertaken by individuals with whom we severed ties years ago,” the company said, while reaffirming its commitment to regulatory compliance and ethical conduct.

• Commissioner Rosa Solis-Rainey argued the fine was too lenient in light of recent disciplinary measures

Although the transactions in question did not meet the statutory definition of money laundering, the Commission warned they posed serious financial crime risks. Commissioner George Markantonis noted the damage to Wynn’s reputation, comparing the possibility of the former employees returning to the industry to the reintroduction of “invasive fish species”.

The penalty follows a separate $130.1 million non-prosecution agreement Wynn reached with U.S. federal authorities regarding the same matter. Investigators found that third-party agents had channelled funds through intermediaries before depositing them into a Wynn-controlled account in California, effectively skirting foreign currency controls.

As part of the settlement, Wynn must uphold stringent anti-money laundering protocols, conduct regular audits, maintain training documentation, and promptly report changes in compliance staffing. A detailed compliance report is due within two years.

Wynn Resorts has now paid $35.5 million in fines to Nevada regulators since 2019, including a record $20 million related to its handling of misconduct allegations against former CEO Steve Wynn. The firm has since restructured its leadership and compliance systems.