Professional poker player Damien Leforbes won't learn his fate in a money laundering case linked to Resorts World Las Vegas until December. A federal judge postponed his sentencing hearing by nearly two months during an October 15 proceeding.

The Deal on the Table

Leforbes has struck a tentative agreement with prosecutors in the Central District of California. They're recommending probation rather than prison time. The joint proposal calls for four months of home confinement followed by supervised release, but Judge Monica Ramirez Almadani wants both sides to file additional documentation before approving any probationary sentence. The hearing is now scheduled for December 10.

Back in August 2024, the poker player pleaded guilty to money laundering and operating an illegal gambling business. Court filings reveal he wagered at least $148 million over an 11-month span at Resorts World, accumulating approximately $12 million in net losses during that period.

Context From a Similar Case

Leforbes' legal team keeps bringing up Matt Bowyer, a bookmaker tangled up in the same Resorts World investigation. Bowyer, who moved in similar circles, received a 12-month sentence in August 2025 and served roughly seven months at FCI Lompoc before being transferred to a halfway house. Here's the thing though: prosecutors explicitly noted that Bowyer's sports betting operation ran at a substantially larger scale, handling significantly greater sums and serving more than 700 clients at its peak.

Settlement and Compliance Questions

Both cases expose broader compliance failures at the resort. Resorts World Las Vegas agreed to pay $10.5 million in March 2025 to settle Nevada Gaming Control Board charges related to anti-money laundering deficiencies. The casino neither admitted nor denied wrongdoing as part of the settlement.

According to the regulatory complaint, Leforbes received promotional chips, complimentary accommodations, and gifts from the casino. His host at Resorts World allegedly knew of his bookmaking activities and actively directed business toward his enterprise. Multiple sources have characterised Leforbes as personable, though his betting behaviour was notably aggressive.

Outstanding Issues

Before the December hearing, Judge Almadani has ordered both the prosecution and defence to submit briefings addressing whether Leforbes should face an aggravated role adjustment in sentencing calculations. A federal probation officer has also been directed to prepare a report outlining the specific terms and conditions that would apply if a probationary sentence is imposed. Both documents must reach the court by the end of November.