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Read Full BioThe Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has entered into a proposed Stipulation for Settlement with three entities — MGM Resorts International, MGM Grand, and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas — collectively known as MGMRI.
The settlement revolves around a complaint filed by the NGCB on 17 April involving the company’s failure to stop illegal gambling activities involving two bookmakers, Wayne Nix and Mathew Bowyer.
A previous Non-Prosecution Agreement between the US Attorney’s office for the Central District of California, MGM Grand, and The Cosmopolitan detailed Nix’s illicit activities.
The Nevada investigation centred on the actions and failures of MGMRI’s employees concerning Nix and Bowyer.
The NGCB investigation also uncovered MGMRI’s failures to enforce the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) program adequately. However, the Control Board noted that the MGMRI executives and employees cooperated during the extensive investigation.
MGMRI To Address AML Failures As Part Of Nevada Settlement
Despite the cooperation, the Stipulation includes an $8.5 million fine that MGMRI must pay to Nevada’s General Fund, along with additional specific conditions to be placed on MGMRI and the properties’ gaming licenses.
The settlement proposes several measures to remedy the issues identified with the company’s operations. Most of them focus on enhancing the AML program, with one step being additional training and increasing employee awareness of AML requirements.
The Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) must approve the Stipulation before the settlement becomes legally binding. The NGC will likely decide at its next monthly meeting on 24 April 2025.
The two bookmakers are currently awaiting sentencing for federal charges involving illegal gambling and money laundering.
Bowyer At The Center Of Another Controversy
MGM’s breaches come just weeks after the NGC levied the second-largest penalty in Nevada’s gaming history.
The settlement included a $10.5 million fine that Resorts World Las Vegas (RWLV) had to pay. Interestingly, the case against it also included Bowyer and his activities as an illegal bookmaker, alongside Damien LeForbes.
The Nevada Gaming Commission opted for a high penalty to deter similar incursions by other state casinos and resorts.
However, the controversial bookmaker Bowyer, who ran an illegal gambling operation involving more than 700 clients, found himself at the center of the MGMRI controversy, as well.
The RWLV investigation found that Bowyer enjoyed numerous extended privileges beyond what Las Vegas casinos typically offer to their high rollers. These included his wife becoming his personal casino host, unchallenged exorbitant losses, and the use of private jets.
