Resorts World consents to $10.5m settlement with Nevada board

Resorts World has agreed to a $10.5 million settlement with gaming regulators in Nevada over reported money laundering indiscretions. 

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) launched a probe against the company after initial concerns that anti-money laundering responsibilities were not being upheld. 

The financial penalty, the second largest ever issued in the Silver State’s gaming history, appears to end the saga over the Las Vegas venue turning a blind eye to illicit bookmakers operating within the premises.

Last year, the regulator filed a complaint against Resorts World, alleging “unsuitable methods of operation”. This was the precursor to the 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.

This activity included a $1.2 million loss at the Nevada casino over a two-month period without ever having to show a source of funds.

Bowyer was apprehended last year and pled guilty in a California court, answering to charges of operating an illegal gambling ring, money laundering, and filing a false tax return.

He is due to be sentenced next week, with the prospect of spending up to 10 years in prison. 

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.”

As part of the agreement, there will be major changes to the venue’s executive leadership, as well as other directives.

Former Resorts World president Scott Sibella was dismissed from his position in 2024, after presiding over the casino during much of the alleged wrongdoing.

The significant $10.5m fine will be paid directly to Nevada’s General Fund with further requirements to be placed on Resorts World’s AML procedures.

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