Is William Hill’s acquisition of American Wagering and its dozens of Leroy’s sports books in trouble?

Probably not. 

But there are sources familiar with the deal and the UK-based bookmaking giant’s conversations with other Nevada casino companies who contend that at least one of the Hill principals deserves a closer look than he has so far received from state licensing officials.

The grumbling is aimed at Robin Chhabra, the Hill executive who did much of the talking during the months when William Hill was kicking tires and slamming doors, trying to decide what it would buy.

News stories and Internet reports of administrative findings by London’s Financial Services and Markets Tribunal say Chhabra and a "prolific trader" identified as Sameer Patel were declared guilty of "market abuse" in a 2010 finding that resulted from a 2004 set of circumstances when Chhabra is said to have furnished Patel with "price sensitive information."

The same stories and reports that carried these findings also included the denial by both men that they had done anything wrong.

Control Board Chairman Mark Lipparelli said late last week Board agents had not so far paid much attention to Chhabra because he is not part of William Hill’s Nevada application. He also said he would talk with agents involved in the suitability investigation to see if there is a reason to take closer looks.

Executives at two different companies say Chhabra was the man doing most of the talking during Hill’s early efforts to talk business in Nevada.

"His role," an executive told me, "was to put people together, get something going and then back away to let others finish it."