NGCB: Resorts World Las Vegas Could Have Avoided $10.5M Penalty
The Nevada Gaming Control Board’s Statement
The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) stated that Resorts World Las Vegas might have prevented its massive $10.5 million penalty related to anti-money laundering violations if a corporate board of directors had been established sooner. This fine ranks as the second-largest in Nevada’s history.
Background on the NGCB’s Remarks
NGCB board member George Assad shared these thoughts following the board’s decision to bar Mathew Bowyer, a convicted illegal bookmaker whose actions triggered the fine and ensuing controversy. The NGCB also endorsed appointing Michelle DiTondo, a seasoned human resources professional, to the casino’s board.
Bowyer, who lived in Southern California, ran an illicit gambling operation for over five years until October 2023. At his peak, he managed bets for more than 700 clients, including Ippei Mizuhara, the interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, an association that led to increased scrutiny against Bowyer.
In federal court, Bowyer pleaded guilty in September 2024 to charges including running an illegal gambling business, money laundering, and submitting false tax documents. He began serving a 12-month prison sentence in October, with release anticipated in the summer, followed by two years of supervised probation.
How the Scandal Could Have Been Prevented
Assad explained that the lack of a board of directors until late 2024 and the absence of effective compliance leadership allowed this issue to escalate. He noted that if someone like Jennifer Roberts, the current compliance head, had been in place earlier, Bowyer would have been banned swiftly, preventing the scandal and the hefty fine.
He also highlighted deficiencies in the casino’s management structure, emphasizing the disconnect between the casino floor operations and the compliance staff who should have acted against Bowyer. Assad described it as an absurd situation that Bowyer was simultaneously gambling at blackjack tables while managing his illegal bookmaking operation.
New Leadership and Industry Impact
Michelle DiTondo, Bowyer’s successor on the board, brings extensive experience from her previous roles, including vice president of human resources at Caesars Entertainment and chief human resources officer at MGM Resorts International. She also worked outside the gaming sector as an executive coach before joining Resorts World in December 2024.
Resorts World was not the only company penalized for Bowyer’s activities. In November, Caesars Entertainment was fined $7.8 million for failing to detect Bowyer’s suspicious behavior and prevent his continued gambling activity within their facilities.
