Nevada gaming board accuses Resorts World of hosting illegal bookmakers

In the 31-page complaint filed on Thursday, the board claims that Resorts World and its parent companies allowed “a culture that welcomed certain individuals with suspected or actual ties to illegal bookmaking, histories of federal convictions related to illegal gambling, and ties to organized crime.”

The complaint continues by alleging that certain individuals were allowed to place “millions of dollars in wagers” at Resorts World, and hotel executives 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 board stated in a press release.

Some of the individuals accused in the illegal activity include Matthew Bowyer, who previously pleaded guilty in federal court to operating an unlawful gambling business, money laundering, and subscribing to a false tax return, and Edwin Ting, known for his ties to organized crime and federally convicted of illegal gambling. Chad Iwamoto, also federally convicted of transmitting wager information and failing to file monthly tax returns for wages, was also named in the complaint.

Resorts World provided the following statement to FOX5: Resorts World Las Vegas is aware of the Nevada Gaming Control Board (GCB) complaint. We are committed to doing business with the utmost integrity and in compliance with applicable laws and industry guidelines. We have been actively communicating with the GCB to resolve these issues so we can move forward and focus on our guests and nearly 5,000 team members.

Nicole Bowyer, the wife of Matthew Bowyer and an independent agent of the gaming board, is also under investigation for her role in recommending her husband as a patron for Resorts World and her involvement in the alleged money laundering.