Gaming Commission upholds $10.5m fine for Resorts World Las Vegas

The Nevada Gaming Commission has upheld the landmark $10.5 million fine issued to Resorts World Las Vegas. 

The casino was punished following alleged anti-money laundering failings, which included turning a blind eye to illicit bookmakers operating on the premises.

At a sitting of the Gaming Commission, also known as the Gaming Control Board, to sign off on the financial punishment, a unanimous 4-0 vote was passed. 

Commissioner Abbi Silver withdrew herself from the process after declaring a conflict of interest. This was due to a “longstanding relationship” with Scott Sibella, the now deposed Resorts World president. 

He was removed from his position two years ago after much of the alleged wrongdoing happened under his management of the Nevada venue.

Last year, the Commission registered a complaint against Resorts World, alleging “unsuitable methods of operation”, leading to a full investigation. 

The extensive complaint detailed several alleged issues, centered around illegal bookmaker Matthew Bowyer, with ties to Ippei Mizhuara, the former interpreter for MLB icon Shohei Ohtani. 

He was sent to prison for almost five years after he was found to have shifted more than $15 million from Ohtani’s bank accounts to facilitate gambling with Bowyer.

The $10.5m fine, the second-highest ever in the history of the gaming sector in the state, will now be officially applied. 

Resorts World Las Vegas was initially hit with 12 counts of regulatory violations but this was reduced to 10.  

The company has consented to the sanction but has not admitted nor denied the allegations. 

Further terms attached to the fine will see major changes to the venue’s executive leadership and added AML responsibilities, while the funds will be paid directly to Nevada’s General Fund.

A spokesperson for the casino commented: “Resorts World Las Vegas has reached a pending settlement with the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB). We look forward to the Nevada Gaming Commission considering the settlement and ultimately resolving this matter.”

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