Las Vegas' Resorts World Faces Imposed Fine of $10.5 Million for Alleged Inadequacies in Anti-Money Laundering Measures

Welp, Looks Like Resorts World Las Vegas Is in Hot Water! The casino giant is facing a whopping $10.5 million fine over allegations that it allowed gamblers linked to illegal bookmaking and those with federal felony convictions to roam its premises like it was some sort of red-carpet event. This hefty sum makes it the second-largest fine in Nevada's gambling history, and it's not hard to see why.

The Casino: A Safe Haven for Bookies and Felons

According to the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB), the casino entertainment mecca failed to keep out Mathew Bowyer and Damien LeForbes, two notorious illegal bookmakers with a penchant for money laundering. Bowyer's name has been in the spotlight due to a high-profile investigation involving Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani's interpreter, who allegedly placed bets with him. NGCB reports show that Bowyer visited Resorts World a whopping 80 times, racking up losses of a jaw-dropping $7.9 million.

LeForbes, another big name in this saga, was a known illegal bookmaker who frequented Resorts World ever since it opened its doors in 2021. Worse yet, a casino host was apparently aware of his shady past but still supplied him with gambling opportunities, even sending clients his way. LeForbes ultimately pleaded guilty in California in August 2024 to charges of illegal bookmaking and money laundering after losing a staggering $10 million at Resorts World.

The NGCB claims that incidents like these create the impression that Resorts World is a hub for money laundering and criminal activities, potentially harming Nevada's gaming industry and tarnishing its reputation. But here's a silver lining: the regulator has acknowledged that Resorts World has already begun taking steps to address its regulatory issues, with a special focus on restructuring its Anti-Money Laundering program.

Game On: Resorts World's Plan of Action

The settlement deal involves not just Resorts World Las Vegas but also its parent company, Genting Berhad, and five other subsidiaries. The agreement requires the casino to implement enhanced Anti-Money Laundering safeguards, including more frequent reporting to the NGCB and updated training for its compliance committee.

Furthermore, Resorts World must keep Anti-Money Laundering training records for at least 5 years and add more compliance personnel to ensure individuals with criminal convictions related to illegal gambling or money laundering don't find a way to gamble at the property. Key executives must also attend an Anti-Money Laundering seminar hosted by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas's International Center for Gaming Regulation.

Resorts World Las Vegas has reportedly taken the NGCB's recommendations to heart and has even initiated a restructuring of its management team. The casino's board of directors now includes former MGM Resorts International Chairman and CEO Jim Murren, former NGCB Chairman A.G. Burnett, and former Nevada Gaming Commission Chairman Brian Sandoval. The NGCB will make a decision on the proposed settlement on March 27.

In the world of casino gambling, a fine of this magnitude is nothing to sneeze at. casinos like MGM Resorts and Wynn Resorts have also faced significant fines for similar violations. Enhanced Anti-Money Laundering compliance measures, including rigorous training and internal controls, are essential parts of these settlements to prevent future illegal activities and maintain integrity in the gaming industry.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) identified Resorts World Las Vegas as a haven for illegal activities, allowing known bookmakers like Mathew Bowyer and Damien LeForbes to gamble on its premises.
Bowyer, linked to a high-profile investigation with Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani's interpreter, reportedly visited Resorts World 80 times and lost a staggering $7.9 million.
LeForbes, another notorious bookmaker, pleaded guilty to illegal bookmaking and money laundering charges in California after losing $10 million at Resorts World.
The NGCB's findings suggest that Resorts World may be a hub for money laundering and criminal activities, potentially damaging Nevada's gaming industry and its reputation. However, Resorts World has initiated steps to address these regulatory issues, including restructuring its Anti-Money Laundering program and beefing up compliance measures.