Resorts World Las Vegas in Trouble for Allowing Illegal Gambling

he Nevada Gaming Control Board filed a disciplinary complaint on Thursday against Resorts World Las Vegas, one of the largest casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, accusing it of welcoming illegal bookmaking operations and allowing individuals with felony convictions and links to organized crime to gamble at the property.

The 31-page complaint outlines 12 counts against the casino, with many of the allegations centering around Southern California bookmaker Mathew Bowyer. Bowyer, who pleaded guilty in federal court last week to operating an illegal gambling business, is accused of placing thousands of sports bets at Resorts World, including wagers on behalf of Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani. The complaint claims that the casino repeatedly failed to verify Bowyer’s source of funding over approximately 15 months, during which time he lost more than $6.6 million. Despite his losses, Resorts World allegedly extended him gifts, discounts, and private jet flights.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board is now asking the Nevada Gaming Commission, which holds the authority over disciplinary actions, to impose fines on the casino and potentially take more severe actions against its gaming license. Experts note that such actions could range from executive dismissals to, in rare cases, the revocation of the casino’s license. Michael Green, a University of Nevada, Las Vegas professor who studies the casino industry, emphasized the gravity of the situation. “The commission has the power to decide what it wants to do with this,” Green said. “They can decide to revoke the license… There are executives who might be forced out.”

The complaint also alleges that Resorts World employees failed to distance themselves from suspected illegal bookmakers and neglected to report unusual or suspicious activities to superiors, a violation of the casino’s anti-money laundering program. The document describes a culture at the casino that potentially allows money laundering and criminal activity, tarnishing the reputation of Nevada’s gaming industry.

Resorts World responded with a statement, indicating that they are in communication with the Gaming Control Board to address the issues. “We are committed to doing business with the utmost integrity and in compliance with applicable laws and industry guidelines,” the statement read. The casino, which employs nearly 5,000 people, emphasized its focus on resolving the matter to continue serving its guests and employees.

The Nevada Gaming Commission has yet to announce when it will take action on the complaint, leaving the future of Resorts World’s gaming license uncertain.

 

Allegations Against Resorts World

The complaint outlines six specific counts related to Bowyer’s activities at the casino. In addition to failing to verify his funding, the casino is accused of not reporting suspected illegal bookings and allowing casino hosts to refer potential customers to known illegal bookmakers. Other counts involve the extension of credit to individuals with histories of illegal gambling convictions and organized crime ties. One of these individuals was previously convicted of running an illegal gambling operation, while another was involved in a large-scale internet gambling scheme.

The board’s complaint emphasizes that the failure to enforce strict anti-money laundering practices creates the perception that Resorts World is a venue where illegal activities can flourish, damaging the reputation of both the casino and the state of Nevada.

“The commission has the power to decide what it wants to do with this,” said Michael Green. “They can decide to revoke the license… There are executives who might be forced out.”

 

The Charges & Conclusions

Mathew Bowyer’s federal charges stem from a five-year illegal gambling operation that spanned Southern California and Las Vegas. Prosecutors allege that Bowyer took wagers from more than 700 bettors, including Mizuhara. The Nevada Gaming Control Board’s complaint highlights Bowyer’s frequent presence at Resorts World, where he placed bets on 80 separate days before being banned in October 2023, following a federal search warrant executed at his home.

Bowyer’s attorney, Diane Bass, has not responded to requests for comment.

As the Nevada Gaming Commission prepares to consider the disciplinary action, the case has cast a spotlight on regulatory compliance and the enforcement of gaming laws in one of the world’s most prominent gambling hubs.