MGM Resorts International has agreed to an $8.5 million fine to settle a complaint by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. The complaint involved allegations that the company allowed illegal bookmakers to gamble at MGM Grand and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas from 2015 to 2018. The settlement, detailed in a 10-count, 29-page document, is pending approval by the Nevada Gaming Commission.
The issue centers around the activities of Wayne Nix, a former minor-league baseball player, and Mathew Bowyer, both of whom have already pleaded guilty to illegal gambling charges in California. The complaint cites deficiencies in MGM’s anti-money laundering program as part of the problem. The investigations that led to the complaint were conducted by the board and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. The Nevada Gaming Commission is set to review the settlement in an upcoming meeting.
