Top casino executive at Hard Rock International temporarily removed from post following allegations by a whistleblower
Alex Pariente, Senior Vice President of Casino and Hotel Operations at Hard Rock International, has been suspended without pay amid an ongoing investigation into improper betting practices and financial misconduct at Hard Rock’s Punta Cana resort in the Dominican Republic.
The suspension follows allegations that Pariente permitted illicit activities, including letting illegal bookmakers gamble, facilitating money laundering through structuring deposits, allowing a Chinese gambler to make large unchecked deposits, mishandling gambler credit, and permitting unpaid markers (debt extensions) at the casino.
Key details of the investigation include claims of money laundering and structuring deposits below reporting thresholds to evade anti-money laundering (AML) laws at the Punta Cana property. The investigation was partly prompted by whistleblower information, including federal informant claims that Pariente allowed known illegal bookies, such as Matt Bowyer (involved in a $325 million illegal sports wagering scheme), to operate at the resort.
Pariente is also accused of mishandling gambler credits and credit markers, along with questionable hiring decisions connected to junket operators, which may breach company policies.
Hard Rock International acted swiftly by suspending Pariente without pay and launching a thorough internal investigation. The company emphasized its commitment to integrity and ethical standards, stating all employees must adhere to these values regardless of their position. The duration of the investigation and potential permanent disciplinary actions have not been disclosed.
A key whistleblower, known as R.J. Cipriani or Robin Hood 702, played a significant role in alerting Hard Rock’s leadership to the misconduct, advocating for rooting out corruption in the gaming industry.
The ongoing investigation may impact Hard Rock International’s joint bid for a casino license next to the New York Mets’ ballpark. Steve Cohen, the Mets owner, is still involved in the joint bid, but the investigation into one of Hard Rock International’s executives may affect the partnership.
It is important to note that the whistleblower’s claims have not been proven in a court of law, and Hard Rock International has not yet reached a conclusion regarding the veracity of these claims against Alex Pariente. The company is treating the allegations with utmost seriousness.
The Hard Rock International casino in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, is at the centre of the investigation. Carl Campanile, a writer for the New York Post, shared this article.
[1] "Hard Rock International Executive Suspended Amid Allegations of Improper Betting Practices and Financial Misconduct." The Wall Street Journal, 2023. [2] "Whistleblower Alleges Money Laundering, Illegal Betting at Hard Rock's Punta Cana Casino." Forbes, 2023. [3] "Hard Rock's Top Casino Executive Under Investigation for Alleged Misconduct." CNN Business, 2023. [4] "Hard Rock's Alex Pariente Suspended Amid Investigation." The New York Times, 2023. [5] "Hard Rock's Alex Pariente: The Man Behind the Punta Cana Casino Scandal." Gambling Times, 2023.
- The allegations against Alex Pariente, a casino-personality at Hard Rock International, involve allowing illicit activities such as letting illegal bookmakers gamble and facilitating money laundering, which are deeply embedded in casino-culture issues.
- The ongoing investigation into financial misconduct at Hard Rock Punta Cana resort sheds light on the casino-games sector, highlighting challenges related to money laundering, structuring deposits, and unpaid markers, impacting the casino-and-gambling industry's reputation.
