Dennis Gomes, the co-owner of the Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, died on Friday aged 68.
His son, Aaron Gomes, vice president of operations at the casino, said his father had died of complications from kidney dialysis.
Gomes led a colourful career, having served as a Nevada Gaming Control Board division chief and law enforcement officer before moving directly into the gaming business.
He was actively involved in Nevada Governor Michael O’Callaghan’s efforts to tackle organised crime within casino gaming, which led to several investigations into Nevada casinos – some of which became the basis of Martin Scorsese’s iconic 1995 movie, Casino.
He then took on the role of Chief of the Special Investigations Division for the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, developing the investigative procedures and the internal control guidelines for that agency.
Choosing to move into the casino business himself, Gomes managed 14 separate hotel and casino resorts during a 28-year career and was elected president of the Casino Association of New Jersey in 2003. He took control of Resorts Casino Hotel in 2010.
Nicholas Moles, vice president and general counsel of the casino, described Gomes as “truly the most giving, gracious and kind-hearted human being.
“Everyone who knew him loved him. We are all blessed to have worked with him, to call him our friend and to be part of his family. We are devastated by this loss and our prayers are with the Gomes family during this time.
“We are committed to continuing Dennis’ vision for Resorts.”
As well as his son Aaron, Gomes is survived by his wife, Barbara, three daughters and three grandchildren.
