Resorts World, the major casino operator, has faced significant scrutiny for omitting information related to a high-profile money laundering investigation from its New York casino license application. The omission concerns the casino’s prior involvement in a multi-million-dollar money laundering case tied to its Las Vegas operations, raising questions about the transparency and governance practices in its licensing bid for a New York casino.
Background of the Money Laundering Case
Nevada gaming regulators fined Resorts World a substantial $10.5 million in March 2025 for multiple violations involving illegal gambling and money laundering at its Las Vegas Strip casino. The allegations centered on the casino permitting Mathew Bowyer, a bookmaker linked to illegal betting operations including one connected to former baseball star Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter, to gamble without properly verifying the source of his funds. Bowyer was allowed to gamble across 80 days over 15 months, during which he lost more than $6.6 million. Resorts World was accused of failing to distance itself from Bowyer and other individuals with felony convictions related to illegal gambling and organized crime, and allowing casino hosts to refer prospective customers to the suspected illegal bookmakers. The fine resolved a lengthy complaint filed by the Nevada Gaming Control Board in 2024, which detailed 12 counts against Resorts World for failing to uphold anti-money laundering protocols and regulatory standards.
Omission from New York Casino License Application
Despite these controversies, Resorts World’s application to the New York State Gaming Commission notably did not disclose the money laundering case or related regulatory actions. According to reports, the New York board’s selection report criticized Resorts World for failing to disclose disciplinary actions within the past five years, which included the fines and violations imposed in Nevada, as well as other known issues at its related properties such as World Cats and Resorts Hudson Valley. This omission raised concerns among regulators about the company’s transparency and operational compliance that could impact the licensing decision. The New York Gaming Commission stressed that such information is critical for a thorough vetting process and that the lack of disclosure necessarily factors into the risk assessment around the suitability of Resorts World as a licensee.
Industry and Regulatory Reactions
The Nevada complaint and subsequent fine have triggered reputational and regulatory risks for Resorts World’s bid to operate a casino in New York. Fitch Ratings noted that the pending legal issues from the casino’s Las Vegas operations could have a “possible effect” on the approval of Resorts World’s New York licensing application. The case exemplifies challenges around governance and compliance within the casino industry, particularly when dealing with illegal gambling activities and anti-money laundering violations. The New York Gaming Commission and other regulators are reportedly conducting a thorough review of all applicants’ backgrounds, including these legal and compliance failings, to safeguard the integrity of the licensing process.
Response from Resorts World
Resorts World and its parent company have reportedly agreed to the $10.5 million fine without admitting or denying the allegations. The settlement included commitments to overhaul leadership and implement stricter anti-money laundering protocols across their operations. However, the company did not immediately respond to requests for comment specifically about the omission in their New York casino application. The case continues to reverberate in gaming regulation circles as an example of the complexities involved in maintaining compliance amidst large-scale casino operations.
Implications for New York Casino Licensing
The controversy surrounding Resorts World’s non-disclosure of the money laundering allegations raises critical questions about the robustness of regulatory oversight in New York’s casino licensing process. Transparency in disclosing prior disciplinary actions is essential for regulators to assess risk and suitability. The case illustrates the broader challenges the casino industry faces with reputational risk management and internal controls against money laundering and illegal gambling activities. New York’s regulators are expected to weigh these factors carefully before granting licenses, potentially influencing standards for future applications and ongoing regulatory scrutiny.