LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The investigation into two failed payout checks has gone from a 13 Action News investigation into a full-court press by The Nevada Gaming Control Board.
When those two checks were rejected, we asked MGM how that could happen. They apologized but it was quite the head-scratcher in the gaming world when we first broke the story last month. Now state regulators may call a technical foul on MGM.
MGM reached out to 13 Action News and said that this was an isolated incident stemming from a clerical issue with a third-party bank. They say it was a specific case and was not due to any issues with insufficient funds or systematic problems with MGM. And they say they worked to resolve the issue and ensure the guest received his funds.
Jose Moreno was visiting Vegas during March Madness but had already gone home when the games he bet on were played. The casino mailed him a check for about $760 for his winnings. But that's when MGM dropped the ball.
"I get a deposit in my account and then I noticed 5 days later that the amount was taken out," Moreno said. "And I was pretty shocked to be quite honest with you."
MGM mailed him another check but that bounced back too. Both were stamped "REFER TO MAKER."
Moreno called us because he wasn't getting anywhere with MGM after 3 months of phone calls and emails.
Within an hour after we called MGM, they told us they were sending Jose a new check and giving him a free stay plus resort credit at their hotel.
READ THE ORIGINAL FULL REPORT FROM JUNE 20
Moreno confirms MGM made good on that. No problems with the third check they sent. And he enjoyed the free stay on the 4th of July weekend.
But we've learned MGM will have to answer to the Nevada Gaming Control Board. The state agency has jurisdiction when non-payment occurs for any reason and they've confirmed "this matter is being investigated."
MGM would not comment on the Gaming Control Board investigation.
When we asked Gaming Control how often this happens, they told us "infrequently." We will keep tracking the case to find out what if any action the board takes.
