Steve Wynn, alleged purveyor of sexual misconduct and former boss of Wynn Resorts, is now defending himself against possible sanctions by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB). If his lawyers are to be believed, he shouldn’t be penalized at all, as he no longer works with the Wynn operation.
Wynn is currently facing a potential fine from the NGCB and the Nevada Gaming Commission, as well as a loss of his “suitability status” for a gambling license, through five complaint matters lodged against him with the bodies. These complaints stem from allegations that he sexually harassed employees at Wynn Resorts. As the NGCB placed an administrative hold on his license, they consider him still subject to regulatory scrutiny.
As reported by the Wall Street Journal, Wynn’s attorneys are seeking to dismiss these complaints, as they argue that as Wynn is no longer with the company, they should have no jurisdiction. They write:
“Notably, however, the Nevada Gaming Control Board does not cite any statute or regulation providing for the imposition of an ‘administrative hold’ on a licensee or someone who has been found suitable to hold a position with a licensee.
“The specific question presented is: Has the Nevada Legislature expressly or [by implication] authorised Nevada’s gaming regulators to discipline a person who no longer has any involvement with a Nevada gaming licensee and, thus, no longer poses an alleged threat to the industry or the public at large? We submit the answer to that question is a resounding ‘No.’”
The NGCB must respond to this motion to dismiss by November 27, which could then force another response, and finally a hearing on December 19. Mark it on your calendar.
While Wynn Resorts has tried to move on from this matter, notably in their opening of the Encore Boston Harbor, they continue to be tied up in lawsuits regarding the sexual harassment allegations. They recently defended themselves in an invasion of privacy lawsuit put forward by Jorgen Nielsen, who accused the operation of spying on him when he gave quotes about the sexual harassment to the Wall Street Journal.
