Nevada fines Resorts World $10.5M over illegal bookmaking
The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has entered into a proposed Stipulation for Settlement with Resorts World Las Vegas (RWLV) and its parent companies following a disciplinary complaint initially filed on 15 August 2024. The stipulation aims to resolve an Amended Complaint filed on Thursday, alleging unsuitable methods of operation primarily linked to the activities of illegal bookmakers Mathew Bowyer and Damien LeForbes at the casino.
As part of the proposed settlement, RWLV would pay a $10.5 million fine to Nevada’s General Fund, making it the second-largest fine in state history after the $20 million penalty imposed on Wynn Resorts in 2019. The proposed settlement also addresses “wholesale changes” to executive leadership at RWLV, and details numerous remedial measures implemented at RWLV. The majority of conditions and remediations focus on additional or increased requirements in the RWLV anti-money laundering program.
The @NevadaGCB issued the following news release today. pic.twitter.com/Q6idFdxJlR
— Nevada Gaming Control Board (@NevadaGCB) March 20, 2025
The NGCB’s August 2024 complaint alleged that under former president Scott Sibella, Resorts World allowed convicted federal felons and illegal bookmakers to gamble at its casino between 2021 and 2023. The complaint specifically highlights Bowyer, who placed bets on behalf of L.A. Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter, as reported by the Associated Press. Bowyer was allowed to gamble 80 times between 22 July 2022 and 1 October 2023, losing $7.9 million while receiving complimentary perks, including promo chips, discounts, and flights on the Resorts World jet.
LeForbes, another gambler, was known by a casino host to be an illegal bookmaker. According to the NGCB, he pleaded guilty in California in August 2024 to charges related to operating an illegal bookmaking business and money laundering. The complaint states that LeForbes lost $10 million at RWLV between 1 September 2022 and 16 December 2023 and was also provided gifts, promo chips, and comps. His relationship with Resorts World ended when his casino host left the company.
NGCB warns of money laundering risks
“This culture results in the perception and/or reality that Resorts World is an avenue to launder funds derived from illegal activity and/or to further criminal activity, causing damage to the reputation of the State of Nevada and Nevada’s gaming industry,” stated the August NGCB complaint.
Within the stipulation is an acknowledgement that if any federal criminal, civil, or administrative action is taken against RWLV regarding the allegations in the Amended Complaint or otherwise, the NGCB reserves the right to file a separate disciplinary complaint based on the federal action.
Scott Sibella, who was previously under investigation for allowing illegal bookmakers to gamble at MGM Grand, lost his gaming license in December 2024 following a separate inquiry. A $7.45 million fine was imposed on MGM Grand and Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas as a result of that investigation.
The Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) will review the proposed settlement at its monthly meeting on 27 March 2025 in Las Vegas. At that time, RWLV’s legal counsel and the Nevada Attorney General’s Office will present the terms of the stipulation and request approval. The NGCB has stated that the majority of remedial measures in the settlement focus on enhanced anti-money laundering protocols at RWLV.
