Genting Berhad’s Resorts World Las Vegas is at the heart of a scandal involving illegal bookmaking. In response to accusations of grave wrongdoing, the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) revealed that it had given Resorts World an extension.
In a 31-page complaint submitted on August 15, the NGCB charged Resorts World of creating an atmosphere that allowed those connected to organized crime and illicit bookmaking to operate freely. The board claimed that this demonstrated the casino’s “overall lack of control.”
The NGCB has urged the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) to take formal disciplinary action. Potential penalties include fines, license suspension or revocation, or placing the property under state oversight. As Nevada’s gaming watchdog, the NGCB acts as prosecutor, while the NGC serves as judge and jury in regulatory matters.
Key Figures and Allegations
The allegations stem, in part, from the activities of Mathew Bowyer, a California-based bookie, who reportedly gambled millions at Resorts World since its 2021 opening. Bowyer’s connection to illegal gambling surfaced through his dealings with Ippei Mizuhara, a former interpreter for MLB star Shohei Ohtani. Mizuhara allegedly stole $17 million to cover debts owed to Bowyer. Resorts World and California’s Pechanga Resort Casino were implicated as venues where Bowyer’s network laundered money.
Further complicating matters, Bowyer’s wife, Nicole, was employed by Resorts World as his personal host.
Scott Sibella, the former COO and president of Resorts World, has also been under investigation. Sibella pleaded guilty to anti-money laundering (AML) crimes during his time at MGM Grand after being sacked in September for unidentified policy infractions. He was placed on probation and fined $9,500 for allegedly enabling notorious unlicensed bookmaker Wayne Nix to pay $120,000 in cash to settle a marker.
Details are still unknown, despite the NGCB’s confirmation of a separate probe into Sibella’s behavior. This extra investigation can make the current situation even more complicated.
As the NGC considers possible disciplinary actions, Resorts World and its parent company, Genting Berhad, are under a lot of pressure because of the incident.
The post Nevada Regulators Grant Resorts World Las Vegas More Time to Respond appeared first on iGaming.org.