Las Vegas, Nevada — Nevada’s gaming regulators have lodged a formidable 12-count disciplinary complaint against Resorts World Las Vegas and its parent company, Malaysia-based Genting Berhad, accusing them of multiple breaches of federal anti-money laundering regulations. Allegations suggest that Resorts World allowed notorious illegal bookmakers to wager large sums, running into millions, at their Las Vegas location over a period extending more than a year.
The Gaming Control Board, which filed the 31-page complaint on Thursday, is pushing for a substantial, albeit undisclosed, multi-million dollar fine. Additionally, they’re calling for stringent actions against the gaming licenses held by both the property’s operators and its ownership.
Central to the controversy is the activity surrounding illegal bookmaker Mathew Bowyer, who recently pleaded guilty in federal court to charges including operating an illegal gambling business and money laundering. The board highlighted that Bowyer executed substantial transactions at Resorts World without ever declaring the origin of his funds.
Further incriminating the casino is its association with other known criminal figures, including Edwin Ting and Chad Iwamoto, both of whom hold convictions for various illegal gambling offenses. Ting is reportedly connected to organized crime groups, intensifying concerns over the types of clientele the casino has entertained.
Amid these revelations, former Resorts World Las Vegas President Scott Sibella’s role has come under scrutiny, despite not being directly named in the latest filing. Sibella, who was terminated from his position in September 2023, had earlier in May pleaded guilty to charges of violating the Bank Secrecy Act during his tenure at another establishment, MGM Grand Las Vegas, and received probation.
Nicole Bowyer, the wife of Mathew Bowyer and a registered independent agent contracted to draw in customers to Resorts World, also faces a separate complaint. She allegedly exploited her position to benefit from her husband’s wagering activities, further contravening anti-money laundering laws. The control board noted her lack of cooperation during the investigation, raising more questions about the depth of regulatory breaches.
In response, Resorts World Las Vegas, through a statement from an external communications firm, acknowledged awareness of the complaints and expressed an ongoing discourse with the Gaming Control Board to address and resolve the issues. They emphasized their determination to shift focus back to their guests and nearly 5,000 team members.
This case highlights not just potential vulnerabilities in the gaming industry’s regulatory framework but also the challenges casinos face in policing high-stakes gamblers and the networks through which such funds flow. As this story unfolds, it is expected that further details will emerge, shedding more light on how deeply entrenched these practices are and what measures can be enforced to prevent such occurrences in the future.