Resorts World Las Vegas Faces Multi-Million Dollar Fines Over Alleged Anti-Money Laundering Failures

Resorts World Las Vegas, one of the most prominent casinos on the Strip, is in serious trouble. Regulators have accused the venue of failing to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) laws, which could mean multi-million dollar fines and even license suspensions. The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has filed a 12-count disciplinary complaint. It says that Resorts World knowingly allowed high-stakes gambling from individuals linked to illegal bookmaking and organized crime.

Casinos that ignore AML rules open themselves up to serious regulatory consequences. In this case, Resorts World allegedly failed to investigate suspicious transactions, including deposits from individuals flagged for illegal gambling activity. 

This is why platforms like ProgressiveSweepSlots, for example, operate with strict compliance measures to avoid financial crimes and give players a worry-free gaming experience where they can enjoy fast and secure withdrawal methods. Failing to implement such precautions can lead to serious breaches, as seen in the case of Resorts World.

At the center of the controversy is Mathew Bowyer, a known illegal bookmaker who deposited over $2.5 million at the casino. Despite concerns raised by Resorts World’s AML committee, Bowyer continued gambling and lost $1.2 million over two months. His wife, Nicole Bowyer, was also implicated—working as an independent agent for Resorts World while allegedly profiting from her husband’s activities. 

This isn’t the first scandal involving the casino. Scott Sibella, the former president of Resorts World, was terminated in September 2023 after admitting to breaching Bank Secrecy Act regulations. Although not named in this particular complaint, his tenure is closely tied to the casino’s broader compliance failures.

The NGCB asserts that Resorts World executives either ignored red flags or actively enabled suspicious patrons to keep profits flowing. Because of this, the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) is weighing up hefty penalties, including fines, license suspensions, or even state oversight of the property.

These legal troubles also extend beyond Las Vegas. Resorts World is owned by Genting Berhad, a Malaysia-based company with major casino holdings in Singapore and Malaysia. A compliance failure of this scale could damage Genting’s global reputation and trigger stricter regulatory scrutiny across its other properties.

The NGCB has given Resorts World until December 9, 2024, to respond to the complaint. As of March 2025, no final ruling has been issued. If found guilty, the fines could set a new precedent for AML enforcement in the casino industry, potentially influencing how major gambling operations handle compliance worldwide.

This case underscores the high stakes of regulatory compliance. In an industry where billions of dollars change hands, casinos must ensure their operations remain above board. With regulators tightening their grip, even high-profile casinos like Resorts World aren’t immune to the consequences of financial misconduct.

For the broader gaming industry, this serves as a wake-up call. Stricter regulations could force casinos to invest more in compliance programs, risk assessment strategies, and financial oversight. Companies that fail to adapt risk not only financial penalties but also reputational damage that could impact their long-term success. Players and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see how Resorts World navigates this crisis and whether it sets a precedent for future regulatory actions.