Convicted Bookmaker Mathew Bowyer Nominated for Nevada’s "Black Book"
#GambleLike_USA #BettingLegislation
On January 14, the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) took formal steps to permanently ban convicted illegal bookmaker Mathew Bowyer from the state’s gambling industry. The board nominated Bowyer for inclusion on the List of Excluded Persons, commonly known as the "Black Book." If approved by the Nevada Gaming Commission, he will become the 38th individual subject to a lifetime ban from all licensed gaming establishments in the state.
The nomination follows a massive regulatory scandal that exposed significant failures in anti-money laundering (AML) protocols among major casino operators. Regulators determined that Bowyer met the criteria for exclusion due to his felony convictions for money laundering and operating an illegal gambling business, as well as his negative impact on the reputation of the Nevada gaming industry.
Massive Fines for Major Operators
The Bowyer investigation resulted in a staggering $26.8 million in total fines for three of the world’s largest casino companies. Regulators penalized these entities for failing to verify Bowyer’s source of funds and ignoring red flags associated with his high-stakes play:
Resorts World Las Vegas: Fined $10.5 million for allowing illegal bookmakers to gamble millions without documented legitimate income.
MGM Resorts International: Fined $8.5 million for failing to investigate Bowyer’s activities between 2017 and 2024.
Caesars Entertainment: Fined $7.8 million after Bowyer gambled approximately $2.6 million in illicit funds at its properties.
The Ohtani-Mizuhara Connection
Bowyer gained international notoriety as the bookmaker at the center of the Shohei Ohtani interpreter scandal. Ippei Mizuhara, Ohtani’s former translator, stole nearly $17 million from the MLB star to cover gambling debts. Investigations revealed that Mizuhara directed approximately $9.3 million in payments directly to casinos to cover markers tied to Bowyer.
The scale of Bowyer's California-based operation involved roughly 700 clients, including professional athletes. While many players in the United States utilize legal sportsbooks, Bowyer operated an illicit network that exploited high-stakes gamblers and relied on bribing casino hosts for referrals.
Legal Outcomes and Sentencing
In August 2024, Bowyer pleaded guilty to federal charges, including money laundering and filing a false tax return. In late 2025, he was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison. His sentence was mitigated by his lack of a prior record and his cooperation with federal investigators, which led to the convictions of other associates. Bowyer is currently serving his term in a California federal facility and may participate in his exclusion hearing, likely scheduled for March, via remote video.
