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

Nevada gaming regulators have imposed a $10.5 million fine on Resorts World casino in Las Vegas due to allegations of illegal gambling activities. The fines stem from claims that the casino allowed individuals associated with illegal bookmaking and those with prior gambling-related felony convictions to engage in betting activities within its premises. This fine represents one of the largest sanctions issued by the Nevada Gaming Commission, which governs disciplinary measures in the state’s gambling sector.

As part of the settlement, Resorts World and its parent company neither admitted nor denied the allegations but have committed to making management changes and enhancing procedures to prevent money laundering. The settlement comes after a complaint filed by the state Gaming Control Board last year, which reportedly outlined significant lapses in the casino's oversight and adherence to regulations intended to maintain the integrity of gambling activities.

Central to the allegations is Mathew Bowyer, a Southern California bookmaker convicted of running an illegal gambling operation. The complaint highlighted that Bowyer had been allowed to place bets at Resorts World for approximately 15 months, during which he lost over $6.6 million. Despite his significant gambling losses, Resorts World allegedly failed to verify the sources of his funding and continued to offer him various perks, including gifts and flights on the casino's private jet.

The Gaming Control Board's complaint against Resorts World included multiple violations, with several counts directly associated with Bowyer's activities. These violations encompassed failing to distance the casino from suspected illegal bookmakers and not adequately reporting prohibited gambling activities. Furthermore, there were issues related to providing credit to individuals with known illegal gambling backgrounds, raising concerns about the casino's compliance with regulatory standards.

As this situation unfolds, Resorts World has not yet made public statements regarding the fine or the allegations. The casino's commitment to reforming its operations in response to these findings underscores the ongoing scrutiny faced by gaming establishments in maintaining fair and legal gambling practices in Nevada.