Resorts World Las Vegas accused of allowing illegal gambling

Today, the Nevada Gaming Control Board filed a disciplinary complaint against Resorts World Las Vegas, LLC, and its parents and affiliate companies. The disciplinary action is the result of an extensive investigation by NGCB Enforcement Agents into alleged violations of the Nevada Gaming Control Act and Nevada Gaming Commission Regulations. The NGCB alleges that Resorts World failed to fulfill its responsibilities as the holder of a privileged Nevada gaming license. Resorts World's actions or inactions caused damage to the reputation of the State of Nevada and Nevada's gaming industry.

In the 31-page complaint, the NGCB details how agents uncovered a lack of compliance within Resorts World, which allowed a culture that welcomed certain individuals with suspected or actual ties to illegal bookmaking, histories of federal felony convictions related to illegal gambling businesses, and ties to organized crime. The complaint asserts that specified individuals were allowed to place millions of dollars in wagers at Resorts World over many months because Resorts World failed to adhere to its Anti-Money Laundering program. The culture within Resorts World created the perception, or the reality in certain instances, that Resorts World is an avenue to launder funds derived from illegal activity. The NGCB investigation revealed acceptance among Resorts World executives of a culture where information of suspicious or illegal activity is, at a minimum, negligently disregarded, or, at worst, willfully ignored for financial gain.

Suspected or known felons wagering at Resorts World included Matthew Bowyer, who pleaded guilty in federal court to operating an unlawful gambling business, money laundering, and subscribing to a false tax return; Edwin Ting, convicted in federal court of conducting an illegal gambling business, and known to have ties to organized crime; Chad Iwamoto, convicted in federal court of transmission of wagering information and failing to file monthly tax return for wages; and another individual suspected of being an illegal bookmaker.

Along with the primary complaint, a separate disciplinary complaint was filed against Nicole Bowyer, a registered independent agent who contracted with Resorts World. Ms. Bowyer is the wife of Matthew Bowyer, who pleaded guilty to federal crimes related to illegal bookmaking. As an independent agent under contract with Resorts World, Ms. Bowyer was allowed to directly profit from casino wagering by her husband and his friends at Resorts World. Consequently, Ms. Bowyer received payment from Resorts World despite surely knowing that her husband's source of funds derived, at least in part, from illegal activity. To date, Ms. Bowyer has failed to cooperate with the NGCB investigation.

"The Nevada Gaming Control Board is committed to protecting the State of Nevada, its citizens and visitors, and Nevada's vital gaming industry," said NGCB Chairman Kirk Hendricks. "All suspected violations of Nevada's gaming laws and regulations will be fully investigated and disciplinary action will be filed when warranted."

All respondents have rights pursuant to the Nevada Gaming Control Act, including time to answer the allegations, request a hearing before the NGC, or reach a stipulation settlement with the NGCB.