Resorts World fined US$ 10.5 million for failures in anti-money laundering rules
Resorts World Las Vegas, one of the most modern casinos on the Strip, was fined US$ 10.5 million for failing to comply with anti-money laundering rules. This was the second-largest fine ever imposed by Nevada gaming regulators, behind only the US$ 20 million penalty given to Wynn Resorts in 2019.
What led to the fine?
The investigation began after a complaint was filed by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) in 2024. Resorts World was accused of failing to follow the required protocols to prevent money laundering and allowing high-stakes gamblers, including individuals with criminal backgrounds, to play without proper verification of the source of their funds.
One of the most serious cases was that of Mathew Bowyer, an illegal bookmaker from California, who wagered nearly US$ 8 million at the casino over a 20-month period without undergoing proper financial checks. His wife, Nicole Bowyer, worked as an independent agent at the casino and directly profited from her husband’s gambling, which also violates regulatory rules.
The casino neither admitted nor denied the allegations but agreed to pay the fine and implement a series of changes to prevent similar issues in the future.
What changes will the casino have to make?
In addition to paying the fine, Resorts World committed to following new rules to improve oversight and prevent fraud. The main changes include:
- Keeping records: All documents related to money laundering must be retained for at least five years.
- Mandatory training: All independent agents working at the casino must undergo training on anti-money laundering rules within the next 60 days.
- More compliance staff: The casino must maintain or even increase the number of employees dedicated to monitoring suspicious transactions.
- Reporting to authorities: If any casino employee or partner is investigated for a crime, it must be reported to Nevada regulators.
If the casino’s internal audits over the next two years are deemed insufficient, an external audit will be required.
Change in casino leadership
During the period when these failures occurred, Resorts World Las Vegas was led by Scott Sibella, who left his position in September 2023. Sibella had already been accused of failing to report suspicious transactions while working at MGM Grand, leading to the revocation of his Nevada gaming licence and a fine of US$ 10,000. He is also banned from working in the state’s gaming industry for the next five years.
To restore the casino’s credibility, parent company Genting Berhad restructured its board and appointed new leadership. The new directors include former high-ranking executives from major gaming companies, as well as former Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval. The new CEO, Alex Dixon, took office in January 2024 with the aim of making the casino a leader in regulatory compliance.
The impact of this decision on the casino industry
The Resorts World Las Vegas case has served as a warning for the entire casino industry. Regulators have made it clear that they will intensify oversight and demand greater commitment to anti-money laundering rules.
This case could also affect Resorts World’s plans to expand its business. In New York, for example, authorities reviewing proposals for new casinos are closely monitoring this case and other controversies involving major gaming operators. Brian O’Dwyer, chairman of the New York State Gaming Commission, has stated that he expects all candidates for new licences to demonstrate the highest level of integrity.
Resorts World Las Vegas now faces the challenge of restoring its image and proving its commitment to following the rules. With new oversight measures and new leadership, the casino is trying to turn the page and prevent similar problems from happening again.
This article was first published in Portuguese on 28 March 2025.
