Resorts World Las Vegas has agreed to pay a $10.5 million fine to settle allegations of allowing gamblers with connections to illegal bookmaking and federal felony convictions to play at its casino. This settlement, which still requires approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission, is the second-highest fine ever assessed by the state. The highest was a $20 million fine paid by Wynn Resorts in 2019 over a sexual harassment complaint.
The settlement involves Genting Berhad and five subsidiaries operating Resorts World Las Vegas, following a 10-count complaint by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. In addition to the fine, the casino is required to enhance its anti-money-laundering (AML) procedures, provide updated training, and ensure compliance through regular reporting to the Control Board. The resort is also restructuring its management team, adding notable figures like former MGM Resorts International CEO Jim Murren and former Nevada Gaming Commission Chairman Brian Sandoval to its board.
The complaint highlighted a culture at Resorts World that allegedly welcomed individuals with ties to illegal bookmaking, despite having an AML program in place. This environment reportedly facilitated the perception that the casino was a venue for laundering funds from illegal activities. The revised complaint omitted references to “organized crime” but maintained allegations against certain individuals, including Mathew Bowyer, who had a history of illegal gambling activities.
The Control Board had also filed a complaint against Nicole Bowyer, Mathew Bowyer’s wife, who was a registered independent agent for Resorts World. Her proposed settlement was previously rejected by the Gaming Commission, which sought harsher penalties.
The case emerges during the tenure of Scott Sibella, former president and COO of Resorts World, who was fined and had his gaming license revoked for unrelated reporting violations. Although not named in the Resorts World complaint, Sibella criticized the broader Las Vegas casino industry, questioning whether similar investigations would be conducted at other establishments where the implicated bookmakers had also gambled.