On Aug. 15, the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) filed complaints against Resorts World Las Vegas and Nicole Bowyer, an independent agent contracted by Resorts World, over allegations that the casino allowed illegal bookmakers and other bad actors to gamble at the casino.
Bowyer is the wife of Matthew Bowyer, an illegal bookmaker who frequented Resorts World and ultimately pleaded guilty Aug. 9 to illegal gambling charges. The scandal involving his operations and associates continues to expand, and has already resulted in charges for former casino executive Scott Sibella, fellow bookmaker Wayne Nix and Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara.
According to the NGCB, Resorts World “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.”
With regard to Nicole Bowyer, the regulator said that she “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.”
Both parties will have the opportunity to answer the complaints, reach a settlement with the NGCB or request a hearing with the Nevada Gaming Commission. In a statement, Resorts World said it is aware of the complaint and is “actively communicating with the GCB to resolve these issues.”
