- Second-largest fine in Nevada gaming history for AML violations
- 80+ unchecked gambling sessions with convicted bookmaker Mathew Bowyer
- $6.6M in losses ignored during 15-month oversight period
The Nevada Gaming Commission has unleashed its regulatory might against Resorts World Las Vegas, imposing a staggering $10.5 million penalty for systemic anti-money laundering failures. This landmark enforcement action stems from the casino's alleged tolerance of high-risk gamblers with ties to illegal bookmaking operations, including convicted felon Mathew Bowyer - the central figure in baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani's recent gambling scandal.
Investigators revealed shocking compliance gaps during Bowyer's 15-month gambling spree at the Strip property. Despite the Southern California bookmaker's federal conviction for operating illegal gambling rings, Resorts World reportedly hosted him for nearly 80 separate gaming sessions without conducting proper source-of-funds verification. During this period, Bowyer lost over $6.6 million while receiving VIP perks like private jet flights and luxury discounts.
Industry analysts highlight three critical takeaways from this case: First, Nevada regulators are intensifying scrutiny of casino relationships with third-party bookmakers. Second, properties face growing pressure to implement real-time transaction monitoring systems. Third, the hospitality sector must balance high-roller incentives with enhanced due diligence protocols. This penalty sets a new benchmark for compliance enforcement,notes gaming attorney Rebecca Harris. Casinos can no longer plead ignorance about high-stakes players' funding sources.
The settlement mandates sweeping operational changes at Resorts World, including leadership restructuring and upgraded AML training programs. While the casino neither admits nor denies the allegations, it has committed to adopting blockchain-based transaction tracking and AI-powered behavioral analysis tools - technologies increasingly standard among Las Vegas competitors like Caesars Palace.
This case mirrors broader regulatory trends following the Bellagio's 2019 $5.6 million settlement for similar compliance failures. Nevada gaming properties have collectively invested $240 million in surveillance upgrades since 2022, with MGM Resorts recently launching a $18 million AI monitoring initiative across its Las Vegas properties. Such developments suggest the era of lax oversight for high-rollers may be ending as regulators prioritize financial transparency.