Judge orders Las Vegas sports betting influencer to pay over $30M
Summary
A Nevada district judge entered a $30.2 million judgement in July against David Oancea, the sports-betting influencer known as “Vegas Dave,” after a contract dispute with Cabo Platinum, a luxury vacation-rental company that brokers bookings in Los Cabos, Mexico. The ruling found Oancea interfered with bookings, withheld funds, used the company’s homeowner contact list to send disparaging messages, and instructed guests to cancel reservations and rent directly from him. Cabo Platinum sought punitive damages; the judge described Oancea’s conduct as intending to harm the business.
Oancea has filed a notice of appeal and the case remains active, with recent hearings over subpoenas and garnishment. Both parties filed suits in May 2024; Oancea’s claims were dismissed by a different judge. The dispute has produced financial losses and reputational damage for Cabo Platinum, whose principals say they were close to Oancea before the fallout.
Key Points
- District Judge Timothy Williams entered a $30.2 million judgement against David Oancea (“Vegas Dave”).
- The dispute began after Cabo Platinum was fired by Oancea in April 2024; the company had been brokering rentals at his properties in Mexico.
- Cabo Platinum says Oancea blocked guest access, failed to turn over reservation funds and made the company arrange last-minute accommodations, causing financial loss.
- The judgment cites a campaign of disparaging emails from Oancea to homeowners accusing the company and its principals of fraud and other misconduct.
- Evidence suggests Oancea contacted guests directly, urging cancellations so he could rent properties himself, which the court saw as a financial motive.
- Both sides sued each other in May 2024; Oancea’s claims were dismissed by Judge Maria Gall.
- Williams granted a preliminary injunction ordering Oancea not to block access to properties; the judgment says he failed to comply and sanctions were issued.
- Oancea filed a notice in August that he would appeal the judgement; hearings continue on subpoenas and garnishment procedures.
- Oancea has a prior federal criminal conviction (2019) related to record-keeping violations tied to casino accounts and was subject to a sportsbook ban as part of a plea deal.
Context and Relevance
This is a significant civil ruling involving a high-profile social-media figure in the sports-betting world. It highlights legal and reputational risks when influencers handle property bookings and finances directly, especially across international markets. For local businesses and property managers, it underscores the importance of clear contracts, controls over guest communications and the potential for punitive damages when interference and defamatory conduct occur.
Why should I read this?
Short version: big-name influencer, huge judgement, appeal pending — this isn’t just gossip. If you follow the sports-betting scene, influencer law, or run short-term rentals, the case shows how quickly disputes can escalate into seven-figure awards and messy, public fallouts. We’ve skimmed the court moves so you don’t have to.
