Resorts World Las Vegas is in trouble due to anti-money laundering violations

On Thursday, the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) filed a 12-count complaint against the operators and owners of Resorts World Las Vegas alleging failures to combat money laundering in connection with the case of Matthew R. Bowyer and several other illegal bookmakers. On August 9, Mr. Bowyer pleaded guilty to three federal charges, including Operating an illegal gambling business, money laundering and filing a false tax return. In addition, Bowyer is known to have been a bookie for Ippe Mizuhara. Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers used to be a personal translator. Mizuhara is accused of placing over 19,000 bets and amassing a net loss of $40 million. He also embezzled approximately $16 million from Ohtani's bank account to pay off his gambling debts. The NGCB detailed how several felons were able to place million-dollar bets with Resorts World. This was because Resorts World “failed to comply with its anti-money laundering program.” Resorts World's lax regulations allowed illegal customers to use their products. Following the NGCB's reprimand, Resorts World will likely make changes to its policy.

What was Matt Bowyer’s past at Resorts World Las Vegas?

According to the complaint filed against Matthew Boyer and Resorts World, his first visit was in February 2022. That was nine months after Resorts World Las Vegas opened. On his first visit, Bowyer made a $1 million deposit. According to Nevada regulators, the casino allowed Bowyer to do so, although they did not determine his source of funds. That was a mistake on Resorts World's part. About two months later, Resorts World Las Vegas entered into an independent agreement with Bowyer's wife, Nicole. At Matthew Bowyer's request in 2022, Resorts World appointed Nicole Bowyer as his casino hostess. Matthew Bowyer made about $2.51 million in deposits over time. This resulted in millions in losses for Bowyer. At the time, his account was worth about $5.18 million Front money, casino markers and other chips.

Matthew Bowyer was listed as a partner at Nevada-based Pick Enterprises LLC. He worked as a “known bookmaker.” In addition, Bowyer used his wife's identity as a front for an independent host. From July 2022 to October 2023, Resorts World allowed Bowyer to gamble on 80 different occasions. At that time, the casino gave Bowyer promotional chips, discounts, and flights on a corporate jet. During those 15 months, Bowyer lost about $6.6 million. Resorts World did everything it could to keep Matthew Bowyer as a loyal customer. Bowyer is not the only illegal bookmaker that Resorts World let slip through the cracks.