Resorts World Las Vegas is in trouble for 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. This all has to do with anti-money laundering failures related to the case of Matthew R. Bowyer along with several other illegal bookmakers. On August 9. Mr. Bowyer pleaded guilty to three federal charges. Those included operating an illegal gambling business, transactional money laundering, and filing a false tax return. Additionally, Bowyer is known for being the bookmaker for Ippe Mizuhara. Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani’s former personal translator. Mizuhara is accused of placing over 19,000 wagers and accumulating a net loss of $40 million. He also embezzled roughly $16 million from Ohtani’s bank account to pay back his gambling debts. The NGCB detailed how several felons were able to place millions in wagers at Resorts World. This was because Resorts World “failed to adhere” to its anti-money laundering program. Relaxed regulations by Resorts World allowed illegal customers to use their products. After being reprimanded by the NGCB, Resorts World will likely be making changes to its policy.

What was Matt Bowyer’s history with Resorts World Las Vegas?

Per the complaint filed against Matthew Boyer and Resorts World, his first visit was in February 2022. This was nine months after the opening of Resorts World Las Vegas. During his first visit, Bowyer made a $1 million front money deposit. According to Nevada regulators, the casino allowed Bowyer to do this despite them not establishing his source of funds. That was a mistake by Resorts World. Roughly two months later, Resorts World Las Vegas entered into an independent agreement with Bowyer’s wife, Nicole. At the request of Matthew Bowyer in 2022, Resorts World established Nicole Bowyer as his casino host. Matthew Bowyer made about $2.51 million in front-money deposits down the line. This led to millions lost for Bowyer. At the time, his account had approximately $5.18 million worth of front money, casino markers, and other chips.

Matthew Bowyer was listed as a partner at the Nevada-based Pick Enterprises LLC. He worked as a “known bookie”. On top of this, Bowyer was using his wife’s identity as an independent host cover. From July 2022 until October 2023, Resorts World allowed Bowyer to gamble on 80 separate occasions. At that time, the casino gave Bowyer promotional chips, discounts, and flights on a company jet. In those 15 months, Bowyer lost approximately $6.6 million. Resorts World went above and beyond to keep Matthew Bowyer as a loyal customer. Bowyer is not the only illegal bookie that Resorts World has let slip through the cracks.