Nevada fines Caesars Palace $7.8M for AML lapses
The Nevada Gaming Control Board voted Thursday to fine Caesars Palace $7.8 million for anti‑money‑laundering failures tied to illegal bookmaker Mathew Bowyer, who gambled millions at the property from 2017–2024. Regulators said Caesars failed to verify Bowyer’s source of funds despite red flags and an anonymous tip; the settlement requires enhanced AML training and compliance, as Caesars executives acknowledged their systems failed.
Gambling Regulation
Financial Crime and Compliance
📌 Key Facts
- Nevada Gaming Control Board approved a $7.8 million fine on Nov. 20, 2025.
- Caesars failed to verify illegal bookmaker Mathew Bowyer’s source of funds despite repeated warnings (activity spanned 2017–2024).
- Settlement mandates strengthened AML compliance and staff training; Caesars CEO Tom Reeg said, “We didn’t catch Bowyer and we should have.”
- Bowyer pleaded guilty in 2024 to running an illegal gambling business and money laundering; his bettors included Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, who received a 5‑year sentence for bank and tax fraud.
- Other Las Vegas casinos were also fined related to Bowyer: Resorts World ($10.5M) and MGM Resorts International ($8.5M).