Caesars Entertainment is the latest entertainment giant to reach a multi-million dollar settlement with the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) over gambling violations.
Caesars reached a proposed $7.8 million stipulation for settlement with the NGCB for the conduct of illegal bookmaker Mathew Bowyer, who operated an illegal gambling scheme with ties to former MLB interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. Mizuhara stole nearly $17 million from four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani to gamble with Bowyer, leading to the ex-interpreter’s 57-month sentence for bank and tax fraud charges.
Bowyer allegedly used the funds from his illegal gambling operation to gamble at casinos across Las Vegas, including Caesars Palace.
The NGCB’s proposed settlement includes operational changes by Caesars to prevent another gambling infraction. The board noted the company improved its anti-money laundering (AML) program while providing enhanced employee training and education.
The Nevada Gaming Commission plans to discuss the proposed settlement on Nov. 20. The commission can approve the negotiated settlement and explain its terms to Caesars. If approved, proceeds from the settlement will be distributed to Nevada’s General Fund.
“At Caesars Entertainment, integrity and regulatory compliance are paramount,” a Caesars spokesperson told SBC Americas. “We fully cooperated with the Nevada Gaming Control Board throughout its investigation and are committed to maintaining strong anti-money laundering and know your customer programs. We take our compliance responsibilities seriously and are dedicated to continuously strengthening our practices to meet and exceed the highest standards.”
Bowyer’s illegal gambling operation
Bowyer was sentenced in August 2025 to 12 months and one day in federal prison for operating an illegal gambling business, subscribing to a false tax return and money laundering. Bowyer is also ordered to pay $1.6 million in restitution for the violations.
The illegal bookmaker wagered at several Las Vegas properties without verifying his source of funds, including a $1 million front-money deposit at Resorts World Las Vegas. Bowyer’s use of funds from his illegal operation led to the firing of former Resorts World President Scott Sibella, who was aware of Bowyer’s improper gambling at the property. Resorts World agreed to a $10.5 million settlement with the NGCB over the violations.
In nearly two years, Bowyer reportedly lost over $7 million wagering at Las Vegas casinos.
MGM Resorts also settles over ties to bookies
Sibella also allowed illegal bookmakers to gamble at the MGM Grand and The Cosmopolitan. The NGCB responded to the violations at the two properties by reaching an $8.5 million settlement with MGM Resorts for failing to adhere to AML standards.
Sibella knowingly allowed illegal bookmaker Wayne Nix to gamble at the MGM Grand. In less than four years, Nix gambled over $4 million of his illegal proceeds at the property.
MGM Resorts and The Cosmopolitan reached a $7.5 million settlement in 2024 with the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Central District of California for its AML violations tied to Nix, a California resident. The settlement also required an external review of policies.
Last year, Sibella was sentenced by a U.S. District Court judge to one year of probation after pleading guilty to failing to file reports of suspicious transactions at the casinos under his supervision, a requirement of the Bank Secrecy Act.
