Judge Delays Sentencing in Major Illegal Gambling Case
The court has requested further legal filings before finalizing the sentence for a defendant who admitted to money laundering.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Gambling
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US District Judge Monica Ramirez Almadani has rescheduled the sentencing hearing for Damien Leforbes following a hearing on 15 October. Leforbes, who pleaded guilty to money laundering and running an illegal gambling business, will now face sentencing in December.
Why it matters
The delay allows for additional legal briefing on an aggravated role adjustment, a key factor that must be resolved before the judge decides on the proposed probationary sentence. This process ensures the court fully evaluates the terms of the plea agreement reached between the defendant and the US Attorney's Office.
Leforbes wagered at least $148 million over 11 months, resulting in $12 million in net losses. He has already remitted $25,000 toward tax liability as part of his legal proceedings.
The players
Monica Ramirez Almadani
She is the US District Judge presiding over the case in the Central District of California.
Damien Leforbes
He is the defendant who pleaded guilty to money laundering and operating an illegal gambling business.
The details
Leforbes allegedly received various gifts and promotional chips while frequenting Resorts World Las Vegas between 2022 and 2023. The court is now reviewing his case within the Central District of California to determine if his plea deal meets necessary sentencing requirements.
Timeline
Judge Almadani moved the sentencing hearing on 15 October 2026.
Parties must file required court orders by the end of November 2026.
The new date for the sentencing of Leforbes is 10 December 2026.
Culture Shift
This case underscores the growing societal and legal emphasis on financial transparency within the high-stakes gaming sector. It reflects a broader shift toward tighter regulatory compliance to prevent the use of casinos for illicit money laundering activities.
This legal outcome reinforces the strict enforcement of anti-money laundering laws for anyone participating in high-volume wagering. Residents should be aware that the court holds individuals and gaming establishments strictly accountable for financial reporting standards.
The takeaway
This case serves as a reminder that large-scale gambling activities are subject to intense federal oversight and reporting protocols. Individuals involved in high-stakes betting should ensure they understand the legal implications of their financial transactions.
What happens next
The sentencing hearing for Damien Leforbes is scheduled to take place on 10 December 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the oversight of the sector in the Gambling section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by iGaming Business.
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