Nevada’s gaming regulator has accepted the proposed $7.8 million settlement with Caesars Entertainment for allowing an illegal bookie to wager with the company.
The Nevada Gaming Commission held its November meeting on Thursday, approving a proposed settlement for the conduct of Matthew Bowyer, an illegal bookmaker who used funds from his operation to gamble at retail casinos, including Caesars Palace. Caesars reached its settlement with the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB), resolving a five-count complaint that alleged Bowyer illegally wagered $2.6 million with Caesars over seven years. The complaint alleged anti-money laundering (AML) and due diligence violations.
“The way our AML program operated in this instance was unacceptable,” said Caesars Board of Directors Chairman Gary Carano during the meeting. “Compliance has always been a part of our DNA.”
The NGCB reached the $7.8 million number by tripling Bowyer’s winnings at Caesars.
“Any notion or concern that Caesars would somehow benefit net of the fine amount is absolutely not the case. They are paying three times more than they won over the period,” said NGCB Chairman Mike Dreitzer.
Caesars takes ownership of violations tied to Bowyer
Caesars responded to its violations by taking ownership and iterating that the systems and protocols it had in place to prevent the gambling infractions were inadequate and failed.
“We know that this entire matter has been a stain on the state [Nevada] and I’m embarrassed that we’re a part of it and sorry that I’m in front of you for this purpose,” said Caesars CEO Tom Reeg. “My directive to our team is clear and I want to make sure that it’s clear to you and on the record, we never sacrifice compliance for revenue. There is no customer that’s worth illegitimate profits. We didn’t catch Bowyer, and we should have, full stop.”
Caesars acknowledge its pitfalls despite not explicitly admitting or denying the allegations in the five-count complaint regarding Bowyer as part of the settlement’s terms.
The settlement between the NGCB and Caesars includes operational changes for Caesars to prevent similar infractions. The NGCB noted that Caesars recently improved its AML program while providing enhanced employee training and education. Caesars also noted during the settlement hearing that its protocols were impacted by “significant” changes in the business, including the acquisition of William Hill and its merger with Eldorado Resorts. William Hill’s operations had “AML deficiencies” that included backlogs, according to Caesars Chief Legal Officer Ed Quatmann.
“None of this is offered today as an excuse,” said Quatmann. “But I do want to provide that context for that time in Caesar’s existence.”
Caesars’ effort to improve its protocols also extends to its properties outside of Nevada.
Details of Bowyer’s misconduct at Las Vegas casinos
Bowyer was the bookie for former MLB interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, who stole nearly $17 million from four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani to gamble with Bowyer. Mizuhara’s conduct led to a 57-month prison sentence for bank and tax fraud charges. Bowyer also used funds from his illegal bookmaking business to gamble at Resorts World Las Vegas and the MGM Grand. Resorts World agreed to a $10.5 million settlement with the NGCB for the violations, while MGM Resorts also found itself in hot water for its ties to illegal bookies.
MGM Resorts reached an $8.5 million settlement in April 2025 for failing to adhere to anti-money laundering rules by allowing Bowyer and bookie Wayne Nix to gamble at the MGM Grand. Nix also used proceeds from his illegal operation to wager more than $4 million.
MGM Resorts also dished out $7.5 million to reach a settlement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Central District of California for its ties to Nix, a California resident.
Bowyer was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison for operating an illegal gambling business, subscribing to a false tax return and money laundering. He is also ordered to pay $1.6 million in restitution for his misconduct while Nix awaits sentencing.
