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 fine addresses concerns raised by the state's Gaming Control Board, which accused the casino of allowing individuals connected to illegal bookmaking and those with past gambling felonies to patronize its establishment. This fine marks one of the largest penalties settled by the Nevada Gaming Commission, which oversees disciplinary actions within the industry.

The settlement agreement reached between Resorts World and the authorities sees the casino neither admitting nor denying the allegations, but it does commit to making structural changes in its leadership and enhancing its measures against money laundering. The casino's response to the allegations is still pending, as they did not provide immediate comments following the announcement of the fine.

Central to the allegations is Mathew Bowyer, a Southern California bookmaker accused of running an illegal betting scheme. He reportedly took thousands of sports bets from a former interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani and has pleaded guilty to running an illegal business, awaiting sentencing in federal court. The Gaming Control Board claims that Resorts World allowed Bowyer to gamble for 80 separate days over 15 months without verifying his funding sources, culminating in a loss of over $6.6 million for him.

According to the complaint, Resorts World face multiple counts, including failing to dissociate from suspected illegal bookmakers and allowing casino hosts to refer patrons to those engaged in illegal gambling. Additionally, the casino was accused of extending credit to numerous individuals with histories of illegal gambling or ties to organized crime, which further escalated the situation.

The fine underscores the ongoing scrutiny of gaming operations in Nevada, highlighting the importance of regulatory compliance in maintaining the integrity of the gambling industry. As Resorts World prepares to implement the agreed-upon changes, the case serves as a reminder of the consequences that casinos can face for failing to uphold responsible gambling practices.