The comment comes from NGCB member George Assad after the board voted to ban Mathew Bowyer, the convicted illegal bookmaker whose conduct inspired the anti–money laundering fine and subsequent scandal
The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) said Resorts World Las Vegas could have avoided last year’s $10.5 million anti–money laundering fine (the second-largest in state history) if it had established a board of directors.
What Prompted the NGCB’s Comments?
The comment comes from NGCB member George Assad after the board voted to ban Mathew Bowyer, the convicted illegal bookmaker whose conduct inspired the anti–money laundering fine and subsequent scandal. In addition, the NGCB also recommended the appointment of Michelle DiTondo, who is an accomplished human resources executive, to the casino’s board of directors
A Southern California resident, Bowyer ran an illegal gambling operation for at least five years until October 2023. At times, Bowyer served more than 700 bettors, including Ippei Mizuhara, the Japanese interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, which served as one of the catalysts for the bookmaker’s eventual downfall.
Bowyer pleaded guilty in federal court in September 2024 to operating an illegal gambling business, money laundering, and filing a false tax return. He was sentenced in August to 12 months in prison, which he began serving in October, and is expected to be released this summer. He will also be under supervision for two years following his release.
Assad Explains How the Scandal Could Have Been Avoided
According to Assad, had a board of directors been in place (one that was formed only in late 2024) and had someone like the current head of compliance, Jennifer Roberts, been installed, Resorts World would not have been fined. Matthew Bowyer would have been banned early on, and the casino would have avoided the whole scandal…