The Nevada Gaming Commission continues to remind Wynn Resorts executives that the company needs to do better than it has in the past. The latest suggestion came at last week’s meeting when the Commission approved the gaming license of COO Brian Gullbrants.
The operator forfeited $130 million to the U.S. government last fall for AML-related violations. The Nevada Gaming Commission fined Wynn $5.5 million in that case. In 2019, the Commission fined Wynn $20 million for failing to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct against founder Steve Wynn before his resignation. Massachusetts also fined the company $35.5 million for failing to disclose the allegations.
“There’s been a lot going on with and about your organization over the last two to three months,” said Commissioner George Markantonis. “You’ve had an amazing career and background. What have you learned over the last three months from listening to what’s been going on in front of us that has impacted how to lead the team at Wynn?”
Gullbrants told the Commission he and the organization have learned a lot about the importance of following regulatory procedures.
“It’s important we lead from the top,” Gullbrants said. “Regardless of what’s happened in the past, I take full responsibility for everything moving forward and under my purview. I want to make sure we do everything by the book. We have a strong culture of compliance and it’s my charge to see that continues.”
Commissioner Brian Krolicki said comments made two months ago by Wynn executives about of accepting responsibility and the importance of compliance “continue to ring in my ears. You articulated it beautifully at the Board and I believe it was authentic. The Wynn is fortunate to have your services.”
At the Board meeting, Gullbrants said Wynn is a different company today than the one fined for past transgressions. He stated the importance of reporting harassment and the mantra of “respect and dignity for all.” He speaks every week at employee orientations about setting the tone at the top and that employees should report any problem they see.
“We hope you’ve learned from prior experiences at the Wynn, and your comments indicate that’s the case,” said Commissioner Rosa Solis-Rainey.
Commission Chair Jennifer Togliatti recounted Gullbrants talking about culture at the Board meeting, including his regularly sending emails to employees to stay connected with them.
“When I was listening to that, I felt like this is someone who gets it,” Tolgiatti said. “You know what it takes going forward and I feel comfort in that.”
Gullbrants worked at Wynn in Las Vegas from 2014 to 2017 in a non-gaming capacity as executive vice president of hotel operations before being assigned to Massachusetts at Encore Boston Harbor. He was promoted to COO for North America 2½ years ago.
