Ohtani Interpreter’s Bookie Sentenced to One Year in Prison

Mathew Bowyer, the Southern California bookmaker tied to the Shohei Ohtani interpreter scandal, received a sentence of 12 months and one day in federal prison. The court also ordered him to pay $1.6 million in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.

Bowyer pleaded guilty last year to running an illegal gambling business, money laundering, and filing a false tax return. Bowyer, who claims to have a gambling addiction, asked for no prison time due to his cooperation and recent efforts to help other addicts.

“The bottom line is, I am remorseful. I have made many poor choices in my life,” Bowyer told the court.

Earlier this month, federal prosecutors proposed a 15-month sentence for Bowyer’s cooperation in the case against MLB star Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, in the notorious sports betting scandal. The prosecutors’ proposition itself was significantly less than the three years recommended by probation officials.

Ohtani’s Interpreter at the Center of the Scandal

Bowyer ran an illegal gambling business and took wagers from over 700 bettors, including Mizuhara. The former interpreter incurred a net loss of nearly $41 million at Bowyer’s business. He stole over $17 million from Ohtani to cover his losses, for which he received a 57-month sentence. Mizuhara still owes Bowyer a further $23 million, a sum unlikely to be recovered.

Mizuhara’s theft from the MLB star drew international attention. Court documents show Mizuhara placed thousands of wagers with Bowyer’s illegal operation, with winnings accounting for $142 million, while losses were $183 million.

Authorities repeatedly described Ohtani as a victim. They never suspected him of involvement in the scheme. At his sentencing, Bowyer said he’s sorry Ohtani’s name was dragged. He added that he spoke with baseball officials and prosecutors to clear it:

“At the end of the day, he’s just an innocent guy playing baseball,” Bowyer told reporters.

Bowyer’s Connections to Las Vegas Casino Fines

The scandal also reached into the Las Vegas casino sector, where regulators found Bowyer had wagered millions in illicit proceeds.

In March, Resorts World Las Vegas agreed to pay a $10.5 million fine, the second-largest in Nevada gaming history. The record fine was a result of multiple anti-money laundering failures, including not flagging the $8 million Bowyer lost at the property.

A month later, Nevada fined MGM Resorts $8.5 million for similar allegations. Reportedly, Bowyer used illegal proceeds from his business to gamble on over 300 occasions at MGM properties and enjoyed numerous extended privileges.