A High-Profile Fallout for Resorts World
Resorts World Las Vegas has been thrust into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. After a months-long investigation by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB), the casino has agreed to a staggering $10.5 million settlement following allegations that it knowingly catered to illegal bookmakers, some with ties to organized crime. This marks the second-largest fine in Nevada gaming history, raising critical questions about oversight, accountability, and the culture within elite gambling establishments.
The allegations weren’t vague. The NGCB’s 31-page complaint describes a systemic failure in enforcing anti-money laundering (AML) protocols and ignoring red flags tied to criminal convictions. The investigation suggests a willful disregard for suspicious activity, trading regulatory compliance for high-roller profits.
Known Felons Welcomed as VIPs
At the heart of the scandal are figures like Mathew Bowyer and Edwin Ting—both previously convicted for illegal gambling operations. Bowyer alone gambled on 80 different days, losing nearly $8 million and reportedly receiving luxury comps and private jet flights. The same treatment extended to Edwin Ting and Damien LeForbes, the latter of whom lost $10 million at the resort before his known background as a bookmaker came to light.
What’s more troubling is that casino hosts and even senior management allegedly overlooked—or worse, enabled—these relationships. One casino host is accused of actively referring business to LeForbes, revealing how deeply embedded these operators had become within the casino’s ecosystem.
Leadership Overhaul and Compliance Reset
In response, Resorts World chose to settle rather than challenge the findings. In addition to the financial penalty, the casino must now implement sweeping changes. These include:
- A full AML policy overhaul
- Mandatory compliance training for employees and agents
- Internal audit reviews
- Notification protocols for criminal investigations
- A commitment to report any future regulatory scrutiny
The operator has already initiated major leadership changes. Former MGM Grand executive Scott Sibella, who lost his gaming license after pleading guilty to federal charges, departed the company in 2023. In his place, Resorts World appointed Alex Dixon as CEO and added compliance veterans such as former Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval and former NGCB Chair A.G. Burnett to its board.
These moves aim to restore trust, but it remains to be seen whether structural change can overcome reputational damage.
Setting a Precedent for the Industry
This case underscores the increasing pressure on casinos to uphold rigorous standards in an age where digital transactions and VIP clientele are harder to monitor. The fine sends a clear message: privilege in the gaming industry comes with responsibility. Casinos cannot afford to turn a blind eye to high-value customers who may bring hidden risks.
Resorts World’s missteps serve as a cautionary tale for the entire industry, especially as regulators grow more aggressive in enforcing ethical and legal standards.
Neutral Reflection: Enforcement vs. Corporate Culture
From a broader perspective, this situation reveals the clash between high-revenue goals and compliance obligations. Resorts World isn’t alone—several global casinos have faced similar scandals. What matters now is how companies use these moments to evolve. If the revised compliance frameworks are fully embraced, this could serve as a model for how the industry moves forward. However, without sustained cultural change, financial penalties alone may not be enough to deter future misconduct.
