The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has accused Genting-owned Resorts World Las Vegas of being a haven for illegal gambling. The NGCB filed a 12-count disciplinary complaint against the Malaysia-headquartered Genting Group, alleging that its casino on the Las Vegas Strip is a hub for people with links to organized crime and gambling-related felonies.
According to Reuters, the complaint includes allegations of providing hundreds of thousands of dollars in credit to individuals with histories of illegal gambling convictions or ties to organized crime. The NGCB also claims that staff at the casino resort failed to report unusual or suspicious activity, including anti-money laundering violations, and turned a blind eye to VIP gamblers engaged in illegal betting.
The NGCB is seeking fines from the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) and action against Resorts World’s gaming license. The board accuses the casino of bringing disrepute to the state and industry by creating a perception that it facilitates money laundering and criminal activity.
Resorts World responded to the allegations by stating that it is working with the board to resolve the issues and focus on serving its guests and nearly 5,000 employees. The casino asserts its commitment to conducting business with integrity and in compliance with applicable laws and industry standards.
The NGCB’s complaint has raised the possibility of a license revocation for Resorts World. University of Nevada, Las Vegas Associate Professor of History Michael Green noted that the NGC has the authority to revoke licenses or impose fines. While executives at the casino may face consequences, the NGC has some flexibility in determining the severity of its response.
One of the key points in the complaint against Resorts World involves Mathew Bowyer, a bookmaker central to the Shohei Ohtani betting scandal. The casino allegedly allowed Bowyer to gamble on 80 separate days over a 15-month period without verifying the source of his funds. During that time, Bowyer reportedly lost over $6.6 million, received gifts, discounts, and flights on the casino’s private jet. Bowyer recently confessed to his involvement in the Ohtani case to federal authorities.
The complaint against Resorts World also includes allegations of failing to distance from suspected illegal bookmakers and hosting customers referred to illegal bookmakers by casino hosts. The involvement of Bowyer in the Ohtani scandal adds weight to the NGCB’s case against the casino.
Overall, the accusations against Resorts World Las Vegas paint a troubling picture of a casino allegedly associated with illegal gambling and organized crime. The outcome of the NGCB’s complaint and the actions taken by the NGC will determine the future of the casino and its executives.