Money laundering continues to cast a long shadow over the global gambling industry. Following the recent $78 million penalties imposed on SkyCity in New Zealand and Australia, Resorts World Las Vegas is now at the center of a federal investigation tied to suspected money laundering through illegal sports betting networks.
According to a report by Nevada Current, three high-rolling gamblers—all under federal investigation—have allegedly lost nearly $24 million at Resorts World since its grand opening less than three years ago. The staggering losses have drawn the attention of federal authorities based in California and triggered a broader investigation by the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
Key Individuals and Alleged Transactions
Among those being investigated is Damien LeForbes, who is reportedly connected to illegal sports betting rings. Records show that LeForbes lost $12.3 million across nearly 50 visits to Resorts World. In one notable instance, the casino forwarded a $2.5 million bad check from LeForbes to the Clark County District Attorney’s Office, though no charges have been filed.
Another figure of interest is Ryan Boyajian, known for his appearance on The Real Housewives of Orange County and alleged ties to illegal bookmaker Matt Bowyer. Boyajian is said to have gambled away $3.7 million during 21 visits to the property.
Bowyer, reportedly the central figure in the investigation, lost $7.9 million at Resorts World between 2022 and 2023. According to ESPN, he received large sums from Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for MLB star Shohei Ohtani, who is accused of embezzling $17 million from Ohtani’s bank account to cover gambling debts. Mizuhara has since entered a plea agreement with federal prosecutors.
Regulatory Pressure Mounting
Although Resorts World has not been formally charged with any criminal conduct, the casino could face major financial penalties if regulators determine it failed to comply with anti-money laundering protocols. U.S. authorities frequently pursue civil forfeitures and corporate fines in such cases, particularly when institutions are found to have enabled illicit activity through oversight failures.
The case also follows recent legal troubles involving Scott Sibella, former president of both MGM Grand and Resorts World. Sibella was sentenced to probation and a monetary fine after admitting to not reporting suspicious activity linked to another high-stakes gambler. MGM Resorts later paid $7.5 million to settle related compliance violations.
Broader Implications for the Casino Industry
This investigation highlights a persistent issue in the gambling sector: casinos being used as conduits for laundering illicit funds, particularly through high-volume transactions involving sports betting rings. Despite the magnitude of the case, none of the individuals involved — including Bowyer, LeForbes, or Boyajian — have been formally charged as of now.
As the investigation unfolds, Resorts World and other implicated operators may face increased regulatory scrutiny and possible enforcement action, reinforcing the urgent need for stronger compliance frameworks across the gaming industry.