World, Mar 3: Two prominent former Nevada gaming regulators have been formally licensed to serve as managers and directors at Resorts World Las Vegas, as the property works to rebuild trust after costly anti-money-laundering (AML) failures.The Nevada Gaming Commission unanimously approved the appointments of Brian Sandoval and A.G. Burnett on Thursday, concluding a licensing hearing that centered heavily on compliance reforms and oversight responsibilities. A Push for “Beyond Reproach”
OversightCommissioners made clear that the expectations for both men are high.Sandoval, who previously served as Nevada’s governor, attorney general and a federal judge, currently leads the University of Nevada, Reno. He joined the Resorts World board last year and was named chairman in November, succeeding Jim Murren.Burnett, a former chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, is now a partner at law firm McDonald Carano, specializing in gaming and administrative law.Both men bring extensive regulatory experience.
Sandoval previously chaired the Gaming Commission from 1999 to 2001, while Burnett led the Control Board between 2012 and 2017.During the hearing, commissioners stressed that they expect the pair to operate “beyond reproach” and remain steadfast in enforcing compliance standards.
Sandoval emphasized that AML compliance is now a frequent topic of discussion at the highest levels of management. He noted that he regularly meets with the company’s chief compliance officer to ensure sufficient resources and authority are in place to prevent future lapses.Fallout From a Record FineThe strengthened oversight comes after Resorts World and its parent company, Genting Berhad, agreed in March 2025 to pay a $10.5 million fine — the second-largest penalty ever imposed on a Nevada casino.
The fine stemmed from a 2024 regulatory complaint that alleged serious deficiencies in the resort’s anti-money-laundering controls. According to regulators, despite having a formal AML program, the casino failed to prevent individuals with ties to illegal bookmaking and prior federal gambling convictions from gambling freely on the property. Some were reportedly granted complimentary perks and allowed to participate in casino offerings without sufficient scrutiny.The 27-page complaint cited failures in maintaining a strong culture of compliance and adequate oversight.
Rebuilding TrustThe licensing of Sandoval and Burnett signals a clear attempt by Resorts World to restore confidence with regulators and the public. While two additional directors were also approved, neither attended the hearing.For Nevada’s gaming industry — long regarded as one of the most tightly regulated in the world — compliance is not just procedural but reputational. The state’s regulatory bodies have historically taken a firm stance on anti-money-laundering enforcement to protect the integrity of its casinos.
By bringing in two seasoned regulators with decades of experience, Resorts World appears intent on demonstrating that its governance structure has changed — and that the missteps of the past will not be repeated.Whether these changes fully restore trust will depend on performance moving forward. But with Sandoval and Burnett now formally licensed, the resort’s compliance reset has entered a new phase.
