Nevada’s gaming watchdog has lodged a formal complaint against Resorts World, accusing the establishment of fostering an environment conducive to money laundering linked to illicit bookmaking activities. This 31-page complaint, filed early Thursday, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing scrutiny of the casino’s operational practices.

Regulatory backdrop and past penalties:

The Nevada Gaming Control Board’s action builds upon prior sanctions against former Resorts World president, Scott Sibella. Earlier in May, Sibella faced a federal court ruling where he was put on probation for a year and fined $9,500 for misconduct linked to his tenure at MGM Grand and Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, which collectively incurred fines amounting to $7.45 million. A potential $750,000 fine and revocation of his gaming license loom over Sibella, stemming from incidents involving a known illegal bookmaker.

The current allegations against Resorts World detail interactions with four illegal bookmakers who allegedly funneled millions into bets at the casino. Among them, Mathew Bowyer from Orange County was noted for accepting bets from an interpreter of Shohei Ohtani, a renowned L.A. Dodgers player, as reported by The Associated Press.

The potential financial penalties facing Resorts World could range from $25,000 to $250,000 per violation, as per state regulations. However, specifics on the fines remain undisclosed by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. The complaint emphasizes a perceived or actual notion among Resorts World staff and patrons that the casino serves as a laundering nexus for illicit proceeds.

As KLAS 8 News Now reports, in response to the allegations, a spokesperson from Resorts World affirmed on Thursday, “Resorts World Las Vegas is aware of the Nevada Gaming Control Board (GCB) complaint. We are committed to doing business with the utmost integrity and in compliance with applicable laws and industry guidelines. We have been actively communicating with the GCB to resolve these issues so we can move forward and focus on our guests and nearly 5,000 team members.”

Casino integrity and state image at stake:

The official NGCD complaint (pdf) further presses the Nevada Gaming Commission to take decisive action regarding the gaming license of Resorts World. This follows a pattern where Nevada has actively pursued substantial penalties to protect the integrity of its gaming industry. Notably, Wynn Resorts faced a $20 million fine five years ago related to sexual harassment claims against Steve Wynn, who also agreed to a $10 million fine in 2023 to sever his casino ties in Nevada.

“The Nevada Gaming Control Board is committed to protecting the State of Nevada, its citizens, and visitors, and Nevada’s vital gaming industry,” NGCB Chairman Kirk Hendrick stated, according to KTNV Las Vegas. “All suspected violations of Nevada’s gaming laws and regulations will be fully investigated and disciplinary action will be filed when warranted.”

The filing documents accuse Resorts World of neglect in maintaining the standards expected of a Nevada gaming license holder, thereby tarnishing the state’s and the industry’s reputation. The detailed accounts involve Bowyer, along with Edwin Ting and Chad Iwamoto—both tied to organized crime and with histories of federal convictions related to illegal gambling activities. Another unnamed suspect is also implicated as an illegal bookmaker.

A distinct complaint targets Nicole Bowyer, Mathew Bowyer’s wife, who despite clear conflicts of interest stemming from her husband’s illicit activities, benefitted from casino operations under her contract with Resorts World. Her non-cooperation with the investigations has been specifically highlighted by the regulators.