Park Place exec gets license, scolding

Thursday, May 11, 2000 | 4:24 a.m.

The state Gaming Control Board has recommended a gambling license for Park Place Entertainment Corp.'s top fiscal executive after he apologized for not listing a 1995 drunken driving arrest on his license application.

After hearing the apology from Scott LaPorta, the gambling giant's executive vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer, the board voted 3-0 Wednesday for a conditional finding of suitability as a corporate officer.

"I'm personally embarrassed and embarrassed for my company," said LaPorta, 37, adding he had no excuse for failing to list his arrest. The charge was later reduced to reckless operation of a vehicle.

GCB Chairman Steve DuCharme said the board expected truthful responses from license applicants, even when such answers are painful.

Park Place's defense of LaPorta included an appearance by Clive Cummis, director, executive vice president and secretary, and a letter to the board from Arthur Goldberg, president and chief executive.

Cummis told the board LaPorta was a key member of Park Place's management team, and that LaPorta and Goldberg work together on a daily basis.

Attorney Frank Schreck represented Park Place before the board, and emphasized LaPorta's integral role in arranging for Park Place's financing of several recent acquisitions, including Caesars World.

The board's recommendation comes with a condition: LaPorta's must reappear in two years to demonstrate his continued suitability. The Nevada Gaming Commission will act on the recommendation at its meeting in two weeks.