Resorts World Accused of Hosting Illegal Bookies

Just days after a bookie for MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani's translator plead guilty to running an illegal bookmaking business, The Nevada Gaming Control Board has filed a disciplinary complaint against Resorts World, accusing the hotel of damaging the reputation of Nevada and its gaming industry.

Bookie Matthew Bowyer, 49, was among those said to have frequented the casino.  He is accused of taking bets  from more than 700 bettors, including Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, who recently pleaded guilty to  tax fraud for stealing nearly $17 million from a bank account belonging to Ohtani.  A handful of other bookmakers, including a well known poker player, have been banned from Vegas casinos over the last year.

In the 31-page complaint filed on Thursday, the board claims that Resorts World and its parent companies allowed “a culture that welcomed certain individuals with suspected or actual ties to illegal bookmaking, histories of federal convictions related to illegal gambling, and ties to organized crime.”

The complaint continues by alleging that certain individuals were allowed to place “millions of dollars in wagers” at Resorts World, and hotel executives failed to adhere to its Anti-Money Laundering Program.

“The culture within Resorts World created the perception, or the reality in certain instances, that Resorts World is an avenue to launder funds derived from illegal activity,” the board stated in a press release.

Gambling911.com has reported on an extensive probe into Vegas executives.

Back in January, the former CEO of Resorts World, Scott Sibella, plead guilty to failing to report to federal officers about illegal gamblers playing at MGM Grand when he worked there in 2018.

Sibella would ultimately be sentenced to 12 months probation.

“I am pleased to have this investigation and its findings reaching a conclusion,” said Sibella’s statement, emailed late Wednesday. “I take full responsibility for my actions and inactions, but I must make clear I took no action for my personal benefit or inurement. I wish to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its professionalism throughout this process.

“I am proud of my 35 years of contributions and leadership to the industry that has meant so much to and has supported me. I am appreciative of the many colleagues with whom I have been associated over my career and that I have been entrusted to lead, and who have supported me and my family throughout this process. As this process comes to a conclusion, I look forward to continuing to provide my knowledge, skills and insights to support the continued growth, evolution and professionalism of the gaming industry.