The Nevada sports betting regulator filed a disciplinary complaint against Resorts World for allegedly fostering a culture that allowed illegal bookmakers to launder millions of dollars through their casino, including wagers from Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter.
On Thursday, the Nevada Gaming Control Board filed a complaint against Resorts World Las Vegas and its parent companies following an investigation that revealed multiple Nevada sports betting violations. It comes just a few months after former a Resorts World president pleaded guilty to failing to file necessary reporting related to suspicious transactions at MGM properties.
The NCGB is pursuing action against the people involved, as well as on the gaming license of Resorts World.
Four implicated in Nevada sports betting filing
The 31-page document alleges that Resorts World enabled people with suspected or actual ties to illegal bookmaking, federal felony conviction, and organized crime to bet millions of dollars at the casino over several months.
It identifies those individuals as:
- Matthew Bowyer, who pled guilty in federal court to operating an unlawful gambling business, money laundering, and falsifying his taxes. He is the California man who took wagers from Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, which caused an uproar felt across the legal sports betting industry.
- Edwin Ting, convicted in federal court for running an illegal gambling business and known to have ties to organized crime
- Chad Iwamoto, convicted in federal court of transmission of wagering information and failing to file monthly tax returns for wages
- An unnamed individual suspected of being an illegal bookmaker
Bookie’s wife worked with casino
The NGCB also filed a complaint against Bowyer’s wife, a former independent agent who contracted with Resorts World.
It alleges that as an independent agent Nicole Bowyer directly profited from the betting that her husband and friends did at the casino while knowing that the funds they used came, at least in part, from illegal activity. According to the complaint, she has failed to cooperate with the NGCB’s investigation.
“The Nevada Gaming Control Board is committed to protecting the State of Nevada, its citizens and visitors, and Nevada’s vital gaming industry,” said NGCB Chairman Kirk Hendrick. “All suspected violations of Nevada’s gaming laws and regulations will be fully investigated, and disciplinary action will be filed when warranted.”
