Las Vegas' Resorts World fined a substantial $10.5 million for allegedly supporting illicit gambling operations.
Making amends: Resorts World Las Vegas agrees to a hefty fine for gambling with the wrong crowd
After a tumultuous seven months, Resorts World Las Vegas (RWLV) has finally reached a settlement with the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB). The agreed fine of a whopping $10.5 million will be paid within two days following the Commission's action, which is set to take place next week.
The complaint, spanning 31 pages, accuses RWLV of creating a culture that welcomed individuals with questionable ties to illegal bookmaking and organized crime. These individuals, such as Mathew Bowyer, who pleaded guilty to operating an unlawful gambling business, money laundering, and submitting false tax returns, have been suspected, and in some cases, convicted, of criminal activities.
Investigations revealed a careless disregard for suspicious or illegal activity at RWLV, with executives essentially turning a blind eye in exchange for financial gain. The casino also allowed these individuals to place millions of dollars in wagers over several months, blatantly disregarding its own anti-money laundering program.
The NGCB alleges that RWLV has failed in its duties as a gaming licensee and has harmed the reputation of Nevada's gaming industry. It is important to note that criminal felons wagering at RWLV is a severe breach of regulations set forth by the Nevada Gaming Control Act and Nevada Gaming Commission regulations.
As part of the agreement, RWLV must revise and enforce its anti-money laundering policy and procedures, retain employee anti-money laundering records, and reportedly improve its compliance with its AML program. The casino will also be required to hire a chief compliance officer and strengthen its internal-audit team.
Despite maintaining that it was operating in accordance with industry standards, RWLV acknowledges the need for improvements to address compliance issues. The casino has already initiated an investigation into its anti-money laundering program and made changes it claims will set a new standard for policies, procedures, and practices in the industry.
In 2023, RWLV started banning patrons identified as having criminal records related to illegal gambling or money laundering. Former President and COO Scott Sibella, who was involved in previous illegal activities, has since left the company. Alex Dixon has been appointed as CEO, and Carlos Castro as the chief operating and chief financial officer. A new position for a chief compliance officer has also been created, and a Board of Directors has been established to oversee the AML program and regulatory compliance.
This settlement comes as the NGCB is stepping up its enforcement of anti-money laundering regulations in response to illegal gambling and money laundering networks uncovered in the past few years. The stricter focus on AML compliance is evident when comparing this settlement with the earlier $8.5 million agreement reached between the NGCB and MGM Resorts.
[Source: Buck Wargo's website][1] - Nevada Gaming Control Board. (2025). Complaint against Resorts World Las Vegas and Related Parties.[2] - Las Vegas Review-Journal. (2025). Nevada Gaming Control Board recommends $10.5 million fine for Resorts World Las Vegas over gambling ties to felons.[3] - Los Angeles Times. (2025). Nevada gaming regulators recommend $10.5 million fine for Resorts World Las Vegas over gambling ties to felons.[4] - Gaming Intelligence. (2025). Resorts World Las Vegas agrees to $10.5 million fine over alleged illegal gambling ties.[5] - Casino.org. (2025). Nevada Gaming Control Board finds Resorts World Las Vegas allowed gambling by felons with ties to organized crime.
- The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has accused Resorts World Las Vegas (RWLV) of creating a casino culture that welcomed individuals with ties to illegal bookmaking and organized crime.
- The gambling institution, RWLV, allowed individuals such as Mathew Bowyer, convicted of criminal activities, to place millions of dollars in wagers, disregarding its own anti-money laundering program.
- The NGCB alleges that RWLV has failed in its duties as a gaming licensee, resulting in harm to Nevada's gaming industry, including allowing known criminals to engage in sports betting and casino games.
- As part of the settlement, RWLV must revise and enforce its anti-money laundering policy, improve its compliance with the program, hire a chief compliance officer, and strengthen its internal-audit team.
- The Nevada Gaming Control Board, in response to illegal gambling and money laundering networks, is stepping up enforcement of anti-money laundering regulations, as shown in the $10.5 million fine agreed upon by RWLV.
