Shuffle Master executive under investigation leaves company

A Shuffle Master Gaming executive under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission has left the company. In a one-paragraph filing with the SEC late Monday, Shuffle Master said Senior Vice President Brooke Dunn “ceased his full time employment with the company, effective Dec. 31.”

On Nov. 18, Shuffle Master said Dunn, a 12-year employee with the gaming equipment provider, was under investigation for alleged improper trading in the company’s stock by an unrelated third party.

Shuffle Master required Dunn to step down as an executive officer, not perform his senior vice president duties, and he was placed on administrative leave with pay pending outcome with the SEC matter.

The timing of the investigation was somewhat of an embarrassment to Shuffle Master. It was revealed on the opening day of the Global Gaming Expo trade show and conference in Las Vegas. Dunn was also the president of the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers.

According to the November filing, SEC staff recommended that civil charges be filed against Dunn for violating securities laws. The SEC alleged Dunn had tipped insider information to a third party.

Shuffle Master said it was not the subject of the investigation.

According to Monday’s filing, Dunn will remain “available” to Shuffle Master for a period of time as a part-time employee.

Contact reporter Howard Stutz at hstutz@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3871.