The Nevada Gaming Control Board filed a disciplinary complaint Thursday against Resorts World Las Vegas and its agents and affiliated companies, alleging it catered to illegal bookmakers with ties to organized crime involving millions of dollars in wagers.
The complaint resulted from an extensive investigation by NGCB enforcement agents into alleged violations of the Nevada Gaming Control Act and Nevada Gaming Commission regulations. Resorts World faces fines and other disciplinary action.
In the 31-page complaint, the NGCB details how agents uncovered a lack of compliance within Resorts World that “allowed a culture that welcomed certain individuals with suspected or actual ties to illegal bookmaking, histories of federal felony convictions related to illegal gambling businesses, and ties to organized crime.”
The complaint asserts that individuals were allowed to place millions of dollars in wagers at Resorts World over many months, because the resort failed to adhere to its anti-money laundering program.
“The culture within Resorts World created the perception, or the reality in certain instances, that Resorts World is an avenue to launder funds derived from illegal activity,” according to a press statement from the Gaming Control Board. “The NGCB investigation revealed acceptance among Resorts World executives of a culture where information of suspicious or illegal activity is, at a minimum, negligently disregarded, or at worst, willfully ignored for financial gain.”
Suspected or known felons wagering at Resorts World included Mathew Bowyer, who pleaded guilty in federal court to operating an unlawful gambling business, money laundering, and subscribing to a false tax return. In addition, Edwin Ting was convicted in federal court of conducting an illegal gambling business and is known to have ties to organized crime, according to the NGCB. Chad Iwamoto was convicted in federal court of transmission of wagering information and failing to file monthly tax returns for wages.
Along with the primary complaint, a separate disciplinary complaint was filed against Nicole Bowyer, a registered independent agent who contracted with Resorts World, according to the Gaming Control Board. Bowyer is the wife of Mathew Bowyer.
“As an independent agent under contract with Resorts World, Ms. Bowyer was allowed to directly profit from casino wagering by her husband and his friends at Resorts World. Consequently, Ms. Bowyer received payment from Resorts World, despite surely knowing that her husband’s source of funds derived, at least in part, from illegal activity. To date, Ms. Bowyer has failed to cooperate with the NGCB investigation.”
The NGCB alleges that Resorts World failed to fulfill its responsibilities as the holder of a privileged Nevada gaming license and that Resorts World’s actions or inactions caused damage to the reputation of the state of Nevada and Nevada’s gaming industry.
The Gaming Control Board said all parties have the right to answer the allegations, request a hearing before the Nevada Gaming Commission, or reach a settlement with the Board.
“The Nevada Gaming Control Board is committed to protecting the State of Nevada, its citizens and visitors, and Nevada’s vital gaming industry,” said NGCB Chairman Kirk Hendrick. “All suspected violations of Nevada’s gaming laws and regulations will be fully investigated and disciplinary action will be filed when warranted.”
In a statement, a spokesperson for Resorts World replied, “Resorts World Las Vegas is aware of the Nevada Gaming Control Board (GCB) complaint. We are committed to doing business with the utmost integrity and in compliance with applicable laws and industry guidelines. We have been actively communicating with the GCB to resolve these issues, so we can move forward and focus on our guests and nearly 5,000 team members.”
