Resorts World has agreed to a proposed $10.5 million settlement with the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) following a probe into its ties to illegal bookmakers.
The proposed stipulation for settlement by the NGCB comes after the regulator filed a disciplinary complaint against Resorts World in 2024 alleging “unsuitable methods of operation.” The complaint was filed by the board after its enforcement team found evidence of Resorts World failing to meet the standards of its anti-money (AML) laundering program.
Nevada regulator investigates an illegal operation
The NGCB’s allegations stemmed from the conduct of illegal bookie Matthew Bowyer. The bookmaker operated an illegal gambling scheme with ties to Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani who was sentenced to nearly five years in prison for illegally siphoning over $15 million from Ohtani’s account to gamble with Bowyer.
According to the complaint filed by the NGCB, Resorts World allowed Bowyer to wager at its Las Vegas property. The casino failed to verify Bowyer’s sources of funds, including a $1 million front-money deposit. Bowyer’s source of funds for gambling at Resorts World Las Vegas included proceeds from his illegal gambling operation. As a result of the illicit activity, former Resorts World president Scott Sibella was fired for violating policies.
Sibella also allowed improper gambling at the MGM Grand and The Cosmopolitan. Last May, he was sentenced to one year of probation for failing to file reports of suspicious transactions. The former executive also had his gaming license revoked by the NGCB.
In nearly two years, Bowyer reportedly lost $7.9 million wagering at various casinos.
Bowyer agreed to plead guilty in a California district court to operating an illegal gambling business, money laundering and subscribing to a false tax return. The 49-year-old, who is set for an April 4th sentencing, faces up to 10 years in prison for the illegal scheme.
The NGCB’s settlement also mentions illegal gambling activity at Resorts World by Damien LeForbes, a professional poker player who also operated an illegal gambling scheme.
LeForbes, who lost $10 million in just over a year, has also pleaded guilty to operating an illegal gambling business and money laundering charges. He will be sentenced in June.
Settlement terms for Resorts World
Resorts World’s proposed settlement with the NGCB will see it pay the hefty fine directly to Nevada’s General Fund with additional and increased requirements for its AML program.
It has conditions for executive leadership changes amid an overhaul at Resorts World.
The proposed settlement also aims to settle an amended complaint filed by the NGCB this week. The NGCB plans to discuss the approval of the proposed settlement on March 27.
Historic fine by Nevada’s gaming regulator
The NGCB’s proposed settlement with Resorts World would make the penalty the second-largest fine in Nevada gaming history.
In 2019, Wynn Resorts was handed a record $20 million fine by the NGCB for failing to investigate claims of sexual misconduct. The claims were made against founder Steven Wynn, who assaulted or harassed several women, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Wynn relinquished his role as CEO following the WSJ’s report.
