Three visitors lost a staggering total of nearly $24 million at Resorts World Las Vegas over the span of a few years, according to a report by the Nevada Current. Each of these high rollers is reportedly under investigation. The trio includes Damien LeForbes, Ryan Boyajian from the TV show “Real Housewives of Orange County,” and California-based bookmaker Matt Bowyer.
Details of the Gamblers and Their Losses
Damien LeForbes: LeForbes lost approximately $12.3 million over nearly 50 visits to Resorts World. He also reportedly presented a bad check for $2.5 million to the casino, as reported by the Nevada Current.
Ryan Boyajian: Known for his appearances on “Real Housewives of Orange County,” Boyajian lost around $3.7 million during 21 visits to the casino.
Matt Bowyer: This California-based bookmaker visited Resorts World 32 times between 2022 and 2023, losing a total of $7.9 million, according to ESPN.
Investigation and Connections
None of the three gamblers have been charged with any crime so far. However, Bowyer is reportedly connected to the theft of money from Los Angeles Dodgers star player Shohei Ohtani by Ippei Mizuhara, Ohtani’s former translator. Mizuhara allegedly stole nearly $17 million from Ohtani’s bank account and is heavily in debt due to gambling losses, estimated at $40.7 million.
Some of the stolen money was allegedly paid to Bowyer and later made its way to Boyajian, eventually being deposited in an account at Resorts World. The money was converted into gambling chips and, after cashing out, returned to Bowyer or his associate.
Mizuhara agreed to a plea deal on fraud charges and faces up to 33 years in prison if convicted. He was charged with bank fraud and submitting a false tax return. Mizuhara never gambled at Resorts World, as confirmed by an internal casino memo obtained by Casino.org.
Shohei Ohtani is seen as a victim in this scandal and has never been accused of any wrongdoing.
Casino and Regulatory Review
Resorts World has not been charged with any violations, according to the Nevada Current. The casino is reportedly cooperating with investigators, though a spokesperson declined to comment further.
Multiple Las Vegas gaming properties are under investigation for potential money laundering and other illicit activities. The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) and federal investigators are reportedly reviewing the activities at these casinos.
Scott Sibella: The former president of Resorts World Las Vegas, Scott Sibella, was the subject of a complaint by the NGCB for activities dating back to his tenure at MGM Grand. Sibella allegedly allowed illegal bookies to gamble at MGM Grand without questioning the source of their funds. He pleaded guilty in January to violating the Bank Secrecy Act and was sentenced to one year’s probation, a $9,500 fine, and a $100 special assessment.
MGM Resorts will pay $7.5 million for violations at both MGM Grand and The Cosmopolitan, according to the Nevada Current.
Conclusion
The significant losses incurred by three high rollers at Resorts World Las Vegas have drawn attention and led to investigations into potential illicit activities. While none of the gamblers have been charged, the connections to larger financial scandals and ongoing regulatory scrutiny highlight the complexities and risks associated with high-stakes gambling in Las Vegas.
David Harrison stands tall in gambling journalism, marrying his firsthand casino experiences with a deep understanding of betting psychology. His articles transform complex gambling jargon into engaging tales of strategy and chance, making the world of betting accessible and enjoyable. David’s knack for narrative extends beyond print, making him a sought-after speaker on gambling trends and future bets. In the realm of gambling, David is both a scholar and a storyteller, captivating readers and listeners alike.