Whistleblower Alleges He Was Fired from Resorts World for Reporting Suspicious Gamblers |

A former compliance director at Resorts World Las Vegas is accusing the megaresort of terminating him for fulfilling his job duties by repeatedly flagging suspicious gambling behavior.

Filed in U.S. District Court on Sep 14, 2026, this lawsuit by Preston Banks alleges retaliation as a whistleblower under the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 and wrongful termination under Nevada law. The legal action seeks reinstatement or front pay, double back pay with interest, compensatory damages, attorneys’ fees, and punitive damages.

Resorts World denies the allegations in terminated compliance officer Preston Banks’ lawsuit, calling the case “frivolous.” (Image: Shutterstock)

Muddy Banks

Banks started at Resorts World in Sep 2022 after about 16 years at the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. Records indicate he identified an international group of patrons with questionable funds sources as early as 2023. This cluster expanded by 2024 to include individuals from various countries.

The most recognizable part of Resorts World’s casino floor. (Image: Shutterstock)

Internal documents state the group engaged in various activities, including unverified funds, credit fraud, and chip passing. Banks advised restrictions, which were delayed by the casino’s anti-money-laundering committee.

Downplayed to the Wire

By Sep 2024, over 50 suspicious activity reports had been documented on the patrons. Despite concerns raised by Banks and others, executives allegedly downplayed the situation as cultural.

A comprehensive report by Banks in Sep 2025 led to the banning of 28 patrons associated with credit fraud. However, he was fired on Sep 29, 2025, with the reason provided being his alleged involvement with the illegal activity he reported. Banks claims he was merely fulfilling his duty.

By Sep 2024, according to Banks, more than 50 suspicious activity reports had been filed on a cadre of international patrons. (Image: Shutterstock)

Banks asserts his report to regulators was altered by Resorts World. He has lodged complaints with several agencies but awaits resolution on the federal level.

Resorts World Responds

In a response to the claims, a Resorts World spokesperson called the lawsuit frivolous, denying the allegations and expressing readiness to contest them through legal channels.

The legal altercation follows a $10.5 million fine imposed on Resorts World in Mar 2025 for anti-money-laundering shortcomings. Whether Banks’s actions were protected, his termination was retaliatory, and if the handling of the patron network violated laws remain unresolved issues.

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