LV Hilton faces complaint over junketeer

CARSON CITY -- The Las Vegas Hilton hotel-casino is in trouble again with state gaming regulators.

The state Gaming Control Board filed a complaint against the resort, charging it paid $400,000 to an unregistered junketeer who brought a high roller to the casino in November 1995.

The complaint said the Hilton signed a written agreement in February 1995 with Albert Jamo to bring a specific player to gamble. The hotel-casino was aware at that time, the board said, that independent agents must be registered with the board before hiring.

The high rolling player came in Nov. 8, 1995, and stayed until Nov. 23, 1995, receiving complimentary services such as rooms, meals and drinks. On Nov. 22, Jamo was paid $400,000.

The board discovered the transaction during an audit in August 1997 that revealed the Hilton had filed an incomplete independent agent registration for Jamo. The documents were returned to the Hilton in March "due to various deficiencies," the board said. The Hilton then withdrew its request to register Jamo.

The complaint, which did not identify the high-end player or his address, said this is an unsuitable method of operation by the Hilton. It asks the state Gaming Commission to levy an unspecified fine against the resort.

Dean Harrold, president of the Las Vegas Hilton, could not be reached for comment. The Hilton has 20 days to answer the complaint and ask for a hearing to present its side.

Last month, the Hilton paid a $350,000 fine to the state for allowing children to play the slot machines while they were waiting to enter "Star Trek: the Experience," the casino's newest attraction.

Since then the hotel has made changes so that children will not be able to get near the slots.

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