Resorts World casino in Las Vegas fined $10.5M in money-laundering case

Nevada gaming regulators have levied a significant $10.5 million fine against the Resorts World casino on the Las Vegas Strip due to allegations of facilitating illegal gambling. Many of these allegations involve a bookmaker with connections to the interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani. This penalty comes after a complaint was filed by the state Gaming Control Board last year, which accused the casino of welcoming individuals linked to illegal bookmaking and those with gambling-related felony records.

The fine, announced on Thursday, is one of the largest ever imposed by the Nevada Gaming Commission, which oversees disciplinary measures for gaming establishments. Although Resorts World and its parent company did not admit to the allegations as part of a settlement agreement, they committed to implementing new leadership and stricter measures to combat money laundering.

Central to the allegations is Mathew Bowyer, a Southern California bookmaker who has admitted to running an illegal gambling operation. According to the complaint, Resorts World allowed Bowyer to gamble for approximately 80 days over a span of 15 months without adequately verifying his funding sources. During this time, he reportedly lost over $6.6 million while receiving various perks from the casino, including gifts and flights on its private jet.

The initial complaint outlined 12 counts against Resorts World, with six directly related to Bowyer. Issues included failing to distance themselves from suspected illegal bookmakers, neglecting to report improper bookings, and directing potential customers to individuals involved in illegal gambling operations.

Additional allegations pointed to the casino extending significant credit to various individuals with histories of illegal gambling and organized crime, including one person convicted for conducting an illegal gambling business. These serious accusations highlight the regulatory challenges faced by gaming authorities in maintaining the integrity of Nevada's gaming industry.