A professional poker player from Long Beach, California, Damien LeForbes, has recently admitted to his involvement in illegal activities that spanned across multiple states. LeForbes, who is well-known in the poker community, has agreed to plead guilty to charges of money laundering and running an illegal bookmaking business in both Las Vegas and California.
LeForbes is accused of running an unauthorized sportsbook from January 2021 to December 2023. His operation was active in Clark County, Nevada, as well as Orange and Los Angeles Counties in California. To expand his operation, LeForbes allegedly hired agents who recruited new bettors. In return, these agents received a percentage of the losses from the clients they brought in.
The case reveals a complex network involving casino hosts who acted as agents for LeForbes’ illegal operation. Payments were allegedly funneled through a shell company named DJL, with transactions made via cash, cryptocurrency, and online payment platforms such as PayPal. LeForbes is listed as the president of DJL on his LinkedIn profile, further linking him to the illegal enterprise.
Suspicious Activity at Las Vegas Casino
A significant portion of the illegal gambling activity took place at a Las Vegas-based casino, referred to as “Casino A” in court documents. LeForbes is suspected of wagering over $148 million through this casino, with more than $9 million in personal checks cashed between October 2021 and December 2023. One notable transaction included a $1 million check cashed in April 2023.
While the exact identity of Casino A has not been disclosed, reports suggest that LeForbes was a frequent player at Resorts World Las Vegas. This has led to speculation that Resorts World might be the casino mentioned in the court filings. The casino itself is currently under scrutiny by the Nevada Gaming Control Board for allegedly allowing gamblers with suspected ties to illegal activities, including LeForbes.
With LeForbes’ guilty plea, he faces serious legal repercussions. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Additionally, he may face a fine of up to $500,000. This case highlights the risks and penalties associated with illegal gambling operations and money laundering in the United States.
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