Published on: November 5, 2025, at 01:25 AM.
Updated on: November 5, 2025, at 01:50 AM.
- Ninth Circuit Court remands Resorts World case back to the lower court
- Appellate ruling indicates district court “abused discretion” regarding legal estoppel
- Case against ex-executive Sibella was dismissed
R.J. Cipriani, a prominent figure in the professional gambling scene, achieved a significant victory in his ongoing legal battle with Resorts World Las Vegas. The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit directed that his case be reviewed further by a district court.
Cipriani, recognized as Robin Hood 702, filed complaints against the Genting-operated casino and former official Scott Sibella, asserting that both allowed another gambler, Robert Alexander, to harass him. The appellate court agreed with Cipriani, stating that the lower court had misapplied its authority regarding judicial estoppel.
“We find that the district court misused its discretion in applying judicial estoppel to Cipriani’s claims of negligence, innkeeper liability, and negligent supervision against Resorts World,” the ruling states. “The decision was based on a perceived inconsistency between Cipriani’s claims in a state court case that Resorts World removed Alexander to protect Cipriani, and his claims in this federal case that Resorts World neglected his safety by allowing Alexander to harass him.”
Meanwhile, the case against Sibella, who was accused of permitting illicit betting by black market bookies at Resorts World, has been dismissed.
Next Steps in Cipriani’s Resorts World Litigation
When an appellate court remands a case to a lower court, it typically issues a formal mandate that requires specific actions from that court. These mandates are legally binding, and the lower court must comply.
In the context of Cipriani versus Resorts World, it appears the Ninth Circuit Court is signaling to the lower court that all inconsistencies need thorough examination. This includes Cipriani’s assertion that he was harassed by Alexander for numerous weeks before any action was taken against him, which is not evidently inconsistent.
“Additionally, Resorts World has not demonstrated that Cipriani convinced the state court to accept his previous position or that he would gain an undue advantage without estoppel,” the Ninth Circuit noted. “In the state court, Alexander himself claimed he was removed by Resorts World before Cipriani acknowledged this in his counterclaim. We reverse the lower court’s ruling on judicial estoppel and return the case for further examination of Cipriani’s claims against Resorts World.”
Further Developments in Resorts World LV’s Narrative
Opened in June 2021, the $4.3 billion Resorts World Las Vegas stands as the most expensive integrated resort on the Strip in terms of construction expenses. Despite its relatively short operation span, it has been a hub of controversies, including the Sibella allegations and reports of slower-than-expected financial performance.
Recently, Resorts World Las Vegas also announced workforce reductions and parted ways with its CEO just five months after his appointment.