Despite looming disciplinary action for his company, the CEO of Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment on Wednesday was recommended for licensing by the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
During his licensing testimony, Raymond Pineault, who was appointed president and CEO of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority on May 27, apologized to Control Board members for the company violating government health and safety regulations at the opening of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on March 25.
Board members voted unanimously to recommend Pineault’s suitability application to the Nevada Gaming Commission, which is expected to consider final approval on June 24.
Regulation 5 complaint
The Control Board issued a 17-page complaint against MGNV, LLC, doing business as Mohegan Sun Casino Las Vegas. The Mohegan Tribe is one of three partners operating Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
In the five-count complaint, Deputy Attorney General John Michela said the company was in violation of Regulation 5 for its “failure to exercise discretion and sound judgment to prevent incidents which might reflect on the repute of the state of Nevada and act as a detriment to the development of the industry” for the operation of its casino.
The complaint cited patrons not wearing face coverings and not engaging in proper social distancing during the party for the opening of the hotel-casino.
On three of the five violations, the Control Board cited photographs posted by the Las Vegas Review-Journal as evidence, and on the other two, it noted social media postings on Virgin Hotels Las Vegas’ official Twitter account with photos showing people without facial coverings or not observing social distancing. The Virgin Hotels posts have been taken down.
In one of the Virgin Hotels postings, patrons were identified, including photos of actor, television and radio host Mario Lopez. The complaint noted that Lopez was not eating, drinking or smoking…