Resorts World Las Vegas has been granted an extension until December 9 to address a 12-count disciplinary complaint filed by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) in August.
The extension was highlighted in Resorts World’s parent company Genting Berhad's Q3 earnings report last week. The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) confirmed to the Las Vegas Review-Journal on December 2 that Resorts World applied for and received the extension.
Initially filed on August 15, the 31-page complaint accuses the Strip property of serious violations. The NGCB alleged that Resorts World welcomed “individuals with suspected and actual ties to illegal bookmaking,” unauthorized gambling, and organized crime, leading to an “overall lack of control” at the venue.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has urged the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) to take formal action against Resorts World. In Nevada’s regulatory framework, the NGCB serves as the prosecutor, while the NGC acts as the judge and jury in such cases.
Possible disciplinary measures include fines, license suspensions or revocations, or placing the property under state supervision.
Resorts World linked to illegal bookmaking scandal
Resorts World Las Vegas faces scrutiny over an illegal bookmaking scandal that has sent shockwaves through the industry. At the center of the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) complaint is Mathew Bowyer, a California-based bookie who reportedly gambled millions at Resorts World since its 2021 opening.
Bowyer was known as the bookie for Ippei Mizuhara, former Japanese-language interpreter for MLB star Shohei Ohtani. Mizuhara is awaiting sentencing for allegedly embezzling $17 million (£13.4 million/€16.2 million) from Ohtani to cover debts owed to Bowyer. Resorts World and California’s Pechanga Resort Casino were among the venues where Bowyer and his network reportedly laundered money. Resorts World even employed Bowyer’s wife, Nicole, as his personal host.
During this period, Scott Sibella served as president and COO of Resorts World. Sibella was abruptly terminated last September for undisclosed policy violations. In May, he pleaded guilty to anti-money laundering (AML) violations stemming from his tenure at MGM Grand, receiving a year of probation and a $9,500 fine. He allegedly allowed another prominent bookie, Wayne Nix, to pay a $120,000 casino marker in cash while at MGM Grand.
The NGCB is reportedly conducting a separate investigation into Sibella, though details remain undisclosed.
Bad timing after Q3 results
The timing of Resorts World Las Vegas's response comes during a challenging period, as the casino posted its worst quarterly performance in two years. In Q3, the property generated $177 million in revenue, an 18% drop from Q2’s $218 million. EBITDA saw an even sharper decline, plummeting 68% from $50 million to $16 million.
The company attributed the decline to two main factors: “an abnormally hot summer in Las Vegas” and “economic uncertainty in an election year.”
Despite these setbacks, Resorts World Las Vegas emphasized its commitment to growth. The casino highlighted its strategies to enhance performance, including expanding its customer database to attract high-net-worth guests, focusing on repeat visitation, and targeting established and new convention groups for high-margin business. Additionally, the property plans to invest in new dining concepts, entertainment, and retail offerings to boost operating efficiency and revenue potential.
