LV Hilton denies complaint over junketeer

CARSON CITY -- The Las Vegas Hilton hotel-casino denied allegations in a state complaint that it paid $400,000 to an unregistered junketeer to bring in a high roller for 15 days in November 1995.

The Hilton says the complaint by the state Gaming Control Board should be dismissed because there's no violation of any regulation.

The answer, filed by the resort last week, means the issue apparently will go to a hearing before the state Gaming Commission for a decision on whether there has been a violation and if the Hilton should be fined.

The board alleges the Hilton entered into a written agreement with Albert Jamo of Paris, France, to be paid $400,000 for bringing a specific gambling customer to the hotel-casino. Jamo was not registered with the state as is required of junketeers or independent agents.

Hilton then submitted an application but later withdrew it. Hilton attorney Jack Godfrey said the contract with Jamo specifically prohibits him from performing any of the services of an independent agent.

Godfrey said Jamo never arranged for transportation or lodging of the high-end player, didn't extend gaming credit to him and didn't collect any debt incurred by the player, therefore Jamo does not fit the definition of a independent agent.

It was the Hilton that invited the unidentified high-end player to visit Las Vegas. The casino set the terms for the complimentary services, credit and lodging. The player arranged for his own transportation to Las Vegas.

Godfrey said the definition of independent agent by law, as applied to the facts in this case, are "unconstitutionally vague" because the casino did not have fair warning that Jamo would be considered a junketeer by the board.

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