Gambling Litigation: The Civil Conspiracy Suit Against Resorts World
Navigating the high-stakes landscape of the casino industry requires more than just an understanding of game mechanics; it demands a rigorous analysis of the legal complexities surrounding wagering and facility operations. As regulatory scrutiny intensifies, businesses must proactively prepare for the financial and reputational threats posed by gambling litigation. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the risks and strategies involved in managing these disputes, ensuring that stakeholders can effectively address legal liabilities and mitigate the impact of potential lawsuits.
Resorts World and Scott Sibella: A Deep Dive into High-Stakes Gambling Litigation
A federal judge in Nevada has dismissed a lawsuit filed by high-stakes gambler Robert “RJ” Cipriani against Resorts World Las Vegas and its former president Scott Sibella. The lawsuit claimed that Resorts World and Sibella allowed Cipriani to be harassed by another gambler, the convicted fraudster Robert Alexander.
Cipriani asserted that he became a target due to his outspoken criticism of the casino for permitting several known felons to gamble on its premises. Alexander had pleaded guilty in January 2020 for defrauding at least $1.3 million from investors via his fraudulent online sweepstakes company, Kizzang.
Following his guilty plea, Alexander was able to postpone sentencing due to a reported medical condition. However, he continued to gamble at Resorts World, much to Cipriani’s outrage, who believed that the money spent should have gone to compensate his victims.
Weeks of Harassment
Cipriani claimed his whistleblowing against Alexander and other convicted felons resulted in numerous incidents of harassment. Alexander allegedly followed Cipriani around Resorts World on his mobility scooter while filming him.
In November 2021, Cipriani took matters into his own hands, grabbing Alexander’s phone to provide evidence of the harassment to casino staff.
For this action, which he described as a “fleeting possession” of Alexander’s phone, Cipriani faced arrest and was charged with larceny.
On the same day, Resorts World filed a complaint with the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB), accusing Cipriani of posting bets illegally at the blackjack tables, which turned into a criminal matter. Cipriani claimed that this was an act of retaliation to silence him. He maintained his innocence regarding the cheating allegations, which were ultimately dropped.
The lawsuit included several claims against Resorts World and Sibella, such as:
- Negligence
- Negligent training, supervision, and retention
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress
- Civil conspiracy
The suit sought general and punitive damages, with the total to be determined at trial.
Judge’s Ruling
Judge Miranda Du ruled that the actions attributed to the defendants were “not inherently dangerous,” and that Cipriani’s claims of emotional distress were “insufficiently severe.”
Additionally, the judge pointed out that Cipriani, in a separate civil suit against Alexander, had previously stated that Alexander had been trespassed from the casino due to his unruly behaviour, which contradicted his claim that Resorts World failed to address the harassment.
Cipriani conveyed his disappointment to Casino.org, particularly that Judge Du stated he had been arrested twice in one day, rather than once, suggesting that she hadn’t thoroughly reviewed the case.
In a separate matter, the NGCB filed a detailed 31-page complaint in August 2024 highlighting multiple felons allowed to gamble at Resorts World, including notorious illegal bookmaker Matthew Bowyer and Edwin Ting, who was previously sentenced as part of a gambling ring laundering over $100 million.
In May 2024, Sibella was placed on probation for a year for his role in enabling illegal bookmakers to gamble at the MGM Grand Las Vegas, where he served as president and COO.
Sibella was subsequently dismissed by Resorts World in September 2023 due to a breach of company policy.
Cipriani’s Determination
RJ Cipriani, known as “Robin Hood 702” for his claim of donating part of his winnings to the needy, remains undeterred by the ruling. In an interview with Casino.org, he stated:
This is a minor setback for the honest folks in Nevada who steadfastly fight to expose the underlying corruption in Las Vegas, a city I deeply cherish.
Cipriani further declared, “To those who think they’ve triumphed, take note: it’s not over until it’s truly over. I’ll continue this fight with every last bit of effort I have because I stand for the truth.”
He closed with a powerful statement, affirming, “I am Robin Hood 702!”
Conclusion
The case highlights the ongoing struggles within the gambling industry, especially regarding the presence of convicted felons and the legal battles that can ensue as gamblers seek to protect their rights and the integrity of the games. While Cipriani faced a setback in his lawsuit, his resolve to continue advocating for transparency in the gaming industry remains strong.
