Nevada regulators move to close Resorts World scandal, Bowyer
The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) is working to close the chapter on the Resorts World Las Vegas scandal involving illegal bookmaker Matthew Bowyer, while reinforcing safeguards to prevent future lapses.
On Wednesday, the board unanimously recommended the licensure of human resources executive Michelle DiTondo to Resorts World’s newly formed board of directors. In the same meeting, regulators also voted to nominate Bowyer—currently serving a one-year federal prison sentence in California—for inclusion in Nevada’s infamous “black book,” which permanently bans individuals from entering any state casino.
Both measures now advance to the Nevada Gaming Commission, which will review them at its 29 January 2026 meeting. Bowyer may request an evidentiary hearing, though his incarceration makes participation unlikely.
Heavy penalties and fallout
In 2025, Resorts World Las Vegas was fined $10.5 million for anti-money laundering (AML) violations—the second-largest penalty in Nevada history. The case stemmed from the casino’s dealings with Bowyer, who deposited $1 million during his first visit in 2022 without the casino verifying the source of funds.
Bowyer’s wife, Nicole, was later hired as his personal host, earning commissions despite regulators’ concerns over the legitimacy of his funds.
Resorts World was one of three strip operators penalised in 2025 for ties to Bowyer. MGM Resorts paid $8.5 million and Caesars Entertainment $7.8 million, though their cases drew less scrutiny. Former Resorts World president Scott Sibella remains the only individual to lose his gaming license over the scandal.
Compliance overhaul
In response, Resorts World established a casino-level board in 2024 to strengthen compliance and improve communication with its Malaysian parent company, Genting Berhad. The board includes: Michelle DiTondo, HR executive and consultant; Brian Sandoval, chairman, president of the University of Nevada, Reno, and former governor; A.G. Burnett, attorney and former NGCB chairperson; and, Tan Kong Han, CEO of Genting.
Appearing before regulators for the first time, DiTondo said that the newly implemented board is working to “ensure that we’re creating a culture of compliance, transparency and accountability on the property. Responsibilities are shared equally among members, including reviewing strategic plans, providing guidance, and asking questions.”
In addition, she provided several new compliance and AML efforts. She explained that senior audit and compliance staff can meet directly with the board to guarantee neutrality from management. The board would receive regular training updates and performance metrics.
“We have hired leaders who are focused on creating a transparent culture, who immediately surface any concerns to the board. I think we’ve hired the right leaders in those roles who have also held the leaders that report to them accountable,” DiTondo said.
Bowyer’s black book nomination
Nevada’s Attorney General’s Office outlined five grounds for Bowyer’s exclusion from casinos: felony convictions, crimes of moral turpitude, violations of California gaming law, tax evasion, and a reputation deemed detrimental to licensed gaming.
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