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

Nevada gaming regulators have fined Resorts World casino $10.5 million due to allegations of facilitating illegal gambling activities. The accusations, which were brought forward by the state Gaming Control Board last year, primarily involved a bookmaker with connections to a former interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani. This fine marks the second-largest penalty issued by the Nevada Gaming Commission for disciplinary violations.

The settlement reached on Thursday does not involve Resorts World or its parent company admitting to or denying the allegations. However, it does require the casino to implement changes in its leadership and enhance measures to prevent money laundering, according to reports from the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Inquiries from The Associated Press seeking comment from Resorts World were not immediately answered.

Central to the investigation was Mathew Bowyer, a Southern California bookmaker who accepted numerous bets from the Ohtani interpreter. Bowyer has pleaded guilty to operating an illegal gambling business and is waiting for sentencing. The Gaming Control Board's complaint points out that Resorts World allowed Bowyer to gamble for 80 days over a period of 15 months, overlooking his funding sources multiple times.

During this timeframe, Bowyer reportedly lost more than $6.6 million, while the casino provided him with gifts, discounts, and even flights on its private jet. The complaint highlighted 12 counts against Resorts World, six of which were specifically associated with Bowyer’s activities. The violations included failing to distance themselves from suspected illegal bookmakers and not reporting dubious gambling arrangements.

Additionally, the complaint addressed issues regarding loans made to individuals with histories of illegal gambling and organized crime. Some of these individuals had prior convictions related to illegal gambling operations, raising serious concerns about the casino's oversight and compliance practices within their establishment.