Nevada gaming regulators have filed serious allegations against Resorts World Las Vegas, claiming the casino has facilitated illegal gambling activities. This includes turning a blind eye to illegal bookmaking and allowing individuals with criminal backgrounds related to gambling to operate within its walls.
On August 15, 2024, the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) lodged a disciplinary complaint detailing how Resorts World purportedly enabled millions of dollars worth of gambling by people with ties to organized crime and histories of felony convictions.
Mathew Bowyer, allegedly at the center of these accusations, is noted as one of the key illegal bookmakers who operated there. Bowyer recently pleaded guilty to federal charges related to running illegal gambling operations, adding weight to the complaints against Resorts World.
Key excerpts from the 31-page complaint suggest Resorts World’s management operated under conditions allowing for the violation of gaming laws. Observations included claims of negligence, with insiders turning away from reports of suspicious activity within their establishments.
The NGCB complaint pushes for potential disciplinary actions against Resorts World, including the possibility of fines or even license revocation. According to Michael Green, a history professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the Nevada Gaming Commission holds significant decision-making power and can impose various penalties.
Officials have raised concerns about the casino’s willingness to overlook the backgrounds of its patrons. The board emphasized this negligence potentially leads to serious reputational damage not only to Resorts World but also to Nevada’s gaming industry.
The case takes on added complexity when considering Resorts World’s defense. The casino issued statements affirming its commitment to integrity and compliance with laws, pointing out it was actively engaging with the GCB to resolve the issues and protect its nearly 5,000 employees.
Alongside Bowyer, the complaint identifies several other individuals who allegedly placed bets at Resorts World. Among them are Edwin Ting and Chad Iwamoto, both of whom have past convictions related to illegal gambling activities.
The complaints accuse Resorts World of failing to conduct adequate checks to confirm the sources of funding from individuals like Bowyer. For over 15 months, he reportedly gambled without any verified funds, leading to significant losses exceeding $6.6 million.
The Operations Committee within Resorts World allegedly ignored concerns raised at anti-money laundering meetings about Bowyer’s status as a known illegal bookmaker. These available minutes from committee meetings indicated instances where financial red flags about Bowyer were discussed but not acted upon.
The tiered nature of the complaint lists twelve separate allegations against Resorts World, with six concerning Bowyer alone. Additional violations include the casino’s laxity concerning the reporting of illegal bookings and failing to separate from recognized illegal bookmakers.
According to the complaint, Resorts World casinos also permitted access to people with notable gambling felonies. Records show employees ignored unusual activities and failed to report suspected violations of their anti-money laundering program.
Researchers and analysts have suggested the prevailing culture at Resorts World posed risks of making it easier for funds from illegal activities to permeate the gaming space. The NGCB has stated such oversight creates perceptions of Resorts World as being engaged in laundering operations, significantly harming Nevada’s reputation.
The issue escalated for Resorts World after Bowyer’s ban from the casino came on October 6, 2023, when law enforcement executed federal warrants at his home. The fallout from this investigation has opened up various avenues for scrutiny surrounding the casino’s practices.
The NGCB concluded its complaints by emphasizing the continued open nature of their investigation and possible actions. They indicated changes might be needed to restore faith not only within Resorts World but also throughout the Nevada gaming scene.
This entire episode has sparked discussions about the operational integrity of casinos on the Strip. It underscores the challenges regulatory bodies face when safeguarding public confidence amid allegations of misconduct.
Resorts World, which opened its doors amid much fanfare and anticipation, now finds itself grappling with these serious accusations. The complaint’s findings raise questions about how deeply entrenched these practices might be across the broader casino industry.
During this period of heightened scrutiny, stakeholders and patrons alike will be watching closely to see how Resorts World navigates this situation. Both the NGCB and casino patrons expect high standards of governance and transparency, particularly with allegations of criminal activity looming large over the establishment.
Give Feedback. How was this article?
You can help us improve by leaving feedback specific to
this content.
How would you rate the quality of this article?
Which of the following feelings did this article evoke in
you?
Multiple Selection
How easy was it for you to find the information you were
looking for in this article?
Super Hard😱
😎Super Easy
Artificial intelligence is increasingly used in content
creation. What percentage of this article do you estimate was generated by AI?
How can we improve this article (or our articles in
general)?
Do you have any other suggestions for improving our content
or
website?
Thanks for the feedback
Thank you for supporting us to improve ourselves with your
feedback.
