On August 15, 2024, the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) filed a detailed 31-page disciplinary complaint against Resorts World Las Vegas, LLC (RWLV) and its affiliated entities, including the parent company Genting Bhd from Malaysia. The complaint accuses these entities of significant failures in upholding their responsibilities as holders of a privileged Nevada gaming license. Specifically, the NGCB alleges that RWLV permitted individuals with suspected or verified connections to illegal activities to gamble on its property, breaching its Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Program.
Lack of Compliance with AML Regulations
The complaint reveals that RWLV’s internal culture and operational practices allowed individuals with known or suspected ties to illegal gambling and organized crime to place substantial bets at the casino over several months. This, according to the NGCB, reflects a systemic failure to adhere to the required AML standards.
Perception of Laundering Operations
The NGCB asserts that the environment at RWLV contributed to a perception—or in some cases, a reality—that the casino was being used as a means to launder money derived from illegal activities. The investigation uncovered a troubling tolerance among RWLV executives towards suspicious or illegal activities, which was either negligently disregarded or willfully ignored for financial gain.
Damage to Nevada’s Reputation
The NGCB emphasizes that RWLV’s actions or lack thereof have caused reputational harm to Nevada and its gaming industry. The failure to act on or report suspicious activities has potentially damaged the integrity of the state’s gaming sector.
Specific Cases of Suspected Illegal Activity
The complaint details several individuals who allegedly engaged in significant gambling activities at RWLV despite their connections to criminal activities:
Mathew Bowyer:
Bowyer has a criminal record including guilty pleas for operating an unlawful gambling business, money laundering, and falsifying tax returns.
Edwin Ting:
Ting, convicted for operating an illegal gambling business and linked to organized crime, was also involved in gambling activities at RWLV.
Chad Iwamoto:
Convicted for transmitting wagering information and failing to file tax returns, Iwamoto was another individual with a criminal background who placed bets at RWLV.
Disciplinary Actions Against Nicole Bowyer
A separate disciplinary complaint has been filed against Nicole Bowyer, Mathew Bowyer’s wife, who was contracted as an independent agent with RWLV. The NGCB alleges that Ms. Bowyer, who directly profited from the gambling activities of her husband and his associates, failed to act on or report her husband’s illicit financial sources. Furthermore, she has not cooperated with the NGCB’s investigation.
NGCB’s Stance and Next Steps
NGCB Chairman Kirk Hendrick underscored the board’s commitment to protecting Nevada’s gaming industry and its stakeholders. He stated that any suspected violations of gaming laws would be thoroughly investigated and that disciplinary action would follow where warranted.
RWLV and associated parties have the right to respond to the allegations, request a hearing before the Nevada Gaming Commission, or negotiate a settlement with the NGCB. The complaint against RWLV is part of a broader regulatory effort to ensure compliance and uphold the standards of Nevada’s gaming industry.
Historical Context and Related Developments
The current complaint follows the termination of Scott Sibella, former President and COO of RWLV, in September 2023. His departure was initially speculated to be connected to an NGCB investigation related to convicted bookmaker David Stroj. Although Sibella was later cleared of any wrongdoing by the NGCB in February 2023, this incident highlights ongoing scrutiny of RWLV’s operations and affiliations.
The NGCB’s disciplinary action against Resorts World Las Vegas underscores a critical moment for regulatory oversight in the gaming industry. As the investigation unfolds, it will be crucial for RWLV and its affiliated entities to address the allegations and demonstrate compliance with Nevada’s rigorous gaming regulations. The outcome of this case will likely have broader implications for the gaming sector’s regulatory landscape and its approach to preventing illegal activities.