LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Nevada gaming authorities are seeking a $10.5 million fine against Resorts World and its parent companies, according to a Thursday news release.
The fine would be the second-largest in state history, behind a $20 million fine assessed against Wynn Resorts in February 2019 for failing to properly investigate sexual harassment allegations against former CEO Steve Wynn.
An amended complaint filed by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) against Resorts World and Genting Berhad today alleges “unsuitable methods of operation” in connection with illegal bookmakers Mathew Bowyer and Damien LeForbes. The investigation described a culture of money laundering at the casino.
FILE: Fireworks explode during the opening of Resorts World Las Vegas on June 24, 2021 in Las Vegas. Genting Group’s property opens on the former site of the Stardust Resort & Casino and is the first new resort to be built on the Las Vegas Strip since The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas opened in 2010. At $4.3 billion, it is the most expensive property ever developed in Las Vegas and features three towers with 3,500 guest rooms and suites, a 117,000-square-foot casino and a 5,000-seat theater on its nearly 88-acre site. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Bowyer was in the spotlight when the August complaint was issued. A highly publicized investigation centered on L.A. Dodger pitcher Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter. It was Bowyer who took the interpreter’s bets, according to The Associated Press.
The August NGCB complaint indicates Bowyer was allowed to gamble 80 separate days between July 22, 2022, and Oct. 1, 2023. Bowyer lost $7.9 million over the entire time he was a patron there, and he received comps, promo chips, gifts, discounts and flights on Resorts World’s jet.
The NGCB investigation also looked into Nicole Bowyer, his wife, who had a contract with the resort. The Gaming Commission rejected a proposed settlement in a complaint against her.
Mathew Bowyer, left, a Southern California bookmaker, arrives with his attorney, Diane Bass, right, at federal court in Santa Ana, Calif., Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
LeForbes was a patron when the resort opened in 2021 and was known to be an illegal bookmaker by a casino host. That host even sent business to LeForbes, according to the August complaint.
LeForbes pleaded guilty in California to operating an illegal bookmaking business and related money laundering charges in August 2024, and the complaint details his visits to gamble at the resort. He lost a total of $10 million between Sept. 1, 2022, and Dec. 16, 2023, and was given comps, promo chips and gifts.
The relationship between LeForbes and Resorts World ended when his casino host left.
“This culture results in the perception and/or reality that Resorts World is an avenue to launder funds derived from illegal activity and/or to further criminal activity causing damage to the reputation of the State of Nevada and Nevada’s gaming industry,” according to the complaint.
Casino hosts provide a buffer between gamblers and upper management, but that can’t extend to allowing illegal activity.
In a separate investigation, Resorts World executive Scott Sibella lost his gaming license in December 2024 as the investigation probed allegations involving illegal bookmakers that dated back to Sibella’s days at MGM Grand. A combined $7.45 million fine was assessed against MGM Grand and Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
Sibella portrayed himself as the victim of others who failed to file reports.
Scott Sibella, former executive at Resorts World.
The proposed settlement between the state and Resorts World is on the agenda for approval at the Nevada Gaming Commission’s meeting on March 27. The settlement also addresses “wholesale changes” to executive leadership at Resorts World, according to the NGCB news release.
The news release outlines unspecified “remedial measures” implemented at Resorts World. “The majority of conditions and remediations focus on additional or increased requirements in the RWLV anti-money laundering program.”
Full details of the terms of the stipulation are expected to be provided at the March 27 Gaming Commission meeting.
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