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LAS VEGAS, Nev (Gambling911.com) - A long time Las Vegas sports handicapper accused of running a multi-million dollar bookmaking business has seen all charges against him dismissed....for now.
57-year-old William West Roberts, known as "Wild Bill", claims to have been a handicapper for over 35 years. He reportedly charged customers $249 per month for betting selections. He was also associated with Ace's Family Fitness, a northwest Las Vegas gym.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board and FBI claimed Roberts was running an extensive bookmaking business as part of a multi-year investigation.
They believed he was operating an unlicensed bookmaking business in which customers' wagers were processed through an offshore website based in Costa Rica and used local Vegas sportsbooks to lay off action in order to reduce exposure.
An example of this would be, if one of his customers had heavily bet one side of a game, Roberts could bet that same side at a Nevada sportsbook so that a customer win wouldn't leave him responsible for the entire payout.
Casino records reviewed by investigators allegedly showed Roberts wagering approximately $8 million at Nevada sportsbooks during the period examined.
Authorities also alleged that money from the gambling operation was commingled with finances associated with Ace's Family Fitness and Wild Bill Consulting.
The case appeared to have originated from an ex-girlfriend contacting authorities by email and providing information about Roberts' alleged gambling activities. Recorded conversations were also handed over to authorities.
Roberts was arrested in April 2026 with felony gaming-related offenses such as operating a gaming establishment without a license, disseminating racing information without a license and receiving compensation for bets without a license, along with additional misdemeanor allegations.
While the charges have been dismissed for now, prosecutors indicated that they may still seek an indictment through a grand jury.
- Tony Caliente, Gambling911.com
