Nevada Gaming Control is hoping to wrap up its investigation of Cantor Gaming and former Vice President of Risk Mike Colbert by the end of the year, Chief of Enforcement Jerry Markling said Thursday.
The investigation was launched last July, after Gaming Control was contacted by the New York District Attorney’s office about Colbert’s alleged involvement in an illegal gambling operation that spanned from the East Coast to Las Vegas.
“We’re actively pursuing that. It is still ongoing and we hope to have some sort of resolution by the end of the year,” Markling said during a Thursday phone interview. “I think everyone involved would like to see a resolution happen as quickly as possible. That’s certainly our desire. At the same time, we want to make sure we conduct a thorough investigation, touch on all the bases instead of miss something. There are still other agencies involved, so we have to coordinate with them.”
Colbert was one of 25 people indicted in October. The 259-page indictment alleges that on July 19, 2011, Colbert spoke to co-defendant Gadoon Kyrollos on the phone to arrange a $100,000 transfer of gaming proceeds.
Colbert pleaded not guilty to enterprise corruption, money laundering and conspiracy charges in November and was released on bond. If convicted, he could face 25 years in prison.
Colbert, 33, had worked for Cantor Gaming for four years, before being terminated after the indictment.
Colbert declined an earlier interview request made through social media, but has been appearing on Las Vegas radio.
Markling said no action has been taken against Cantor Gaming’s or Colbert’s gaming license.
In May, NGC Chairman A.G. Burnett told The Linemakers on Sporting News that there were two ongoing “fairly large investigations” into Colbert and Cantor Gaming.
Cantor Gaming operates seven sportsbooks in Las Vegas, including at the M Resort, Venetian and Tropicana.