Resorts World Las Vegas issued massive $10.5m fine over links to illegal bookmakers

Resorts World Las Vegas (RWLV) has been fined an enormous $10.5m (~£8.1m) — the second-biggest ever figure imposed in the history of Nevada gaming.

The fine is the result of allegations around RWLV’s involvement with illegal bookmakers, including Damien LeForbes and Mathew Bowyer.

Bowyer is a Southern Californian bookmaker made infamous for his ties to MLB star Shohei Ohtani’s disgraced former interpreter.

The Nevada Gaming Commission reached a unanimous, 4-0 decision to impose the fine, with the aim of deterring other casinos and bookmakers from similar offences.

Speaking to Casino Beats, Commissioner Brian Krolicki described the scandal as “a profound teachable moment for the industry.”

Mathew Bowyer was found to be running an illegal gambling operation with more than 700 clients. On top of this, he had also accrued more than $8m (~£6.2m) in losses himself while gambling at Resorts World.

It’s not uncommon for Las Vegas casinos to offer luxury perks to high-rollers. These often include the use of private jets and other incentives. But suspicions arose around Bowyer’s privileges, his huge losses and the fact his wife had become his personal casino host at RWLV.

While Bowyer’s involvement in the scandal is significant, it is not the only reason for RWLV to be hit with such a huge fine.

The casino was also accused of dealing with convicted illegal gamblers. The Nevada Gaming Commission determined that RWLV executives had failed to report exchanges or act appropriately, deeming them negligent and at risk of money laundering violations.

Part of the agreed settlement included the casino being forced to overhaul its leadership team, as well as strengthen its anti-money laundering protocols.

RWLV has since brought in Alex Dixon as the new CEO, and appointed a new board of directors which includes former MGM CEO Jim Murren.

NGC Commissioner Krolicki praised the action from RWLV, telling Casino Beats: “I believe this is a wonderful fix and a new pivot for Resorts World.”

But despite the swift changes, the Nevada Gaming Control Board has reiterated that should any federal criminal, civil, or administrative actions be filed against RWLV, it may also initiate counter-disciplinary measures.

On top of the fine, RWLV reported a revenue drop of 21% in the final quarter of 2024, as well as a number of staff redundancies.

But despite the wider implications of such a scandal, the NGC believes this case should be a sufficient wake-up call to casinos.

Krolocki added: “I also believe this is a clarion call up and down [the Las Vegas Strip] that these rules are to be adhered to perfectly.”