Trouble for Resorts World Las Vegas as Trio Lose Millions

By Jane Shaw Senior Editor Updated: 06/10/2024

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We count on Jane to inform our readers about the latest slot games in the US market. With her passion for video games and a degree in engineering, she’s our gambling tech expert. Jane’s also active in our blog section, where she tackles the curiosities and changes in the industry.

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Trouble for Resorts World Las Vegas

It has been reported that three high-stakes gamblers who are currently under federal investigation for their alleged involvement in illegal sports betting rings incurred combined losses of close to $24 million at Resorts World Las Vegas. This is said to have happened within the space of three years since the casino opened.

The situation could spell trouble for Resorts World as federal authorities from California continue their investigation into the case, which was initially reported by the Current last year. Federal investigations of this type can result in huge corporate fines for operators.

Resorts World’s General Counsel Gerald Gardner and representatives from a public relations firm retained have not yet made any official comment, other than to confirm cooperation with the ongoing investigation.

Three Gamblers Identified

Three gamblers were identified during the investigation, and these included Damien LeForbes, who reportedly amassed losses totaling $12.3 million through nearly 50 visits to Resorts World.

Details obtained from casino records reveal that there was a bounced check for $2.5 million linked to LeForbes, which was forwarded to the Clark County District Attorney for potential prosecution. However, no formal charges have been filed to date. LeForbes also reportedly owes $1 million to the Venetian, further complicating matters.

Another gambler to be identified was Ryan Boyajian, who has become a familiar face from the Real Housewives of Orange County. He reportedly lost $3.7 million over the course of 21 visits to Resorts World. Boyajian is associated with admitted illegal bookie Matt Bowyer, who also incurred losses of $7.9 million at the casino between 2022 and 2023.

The third person to be named was Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter of baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani. He admitted to embezzling nearly $17 million from Ohtani’s accounts to fuel his gambling habit. Mizuhara’s payments to Bowyer were said to be up to $500,000 per week, and these were allegedly funneled to Boyajian.

Despite the huge losses incurred by the three gamblers, none of them have been formally charged with any criminal offenses. However, the investigation has had far-reaching repercussions that have affected a number of other people. These include Scott Sibella, the former president of MGM Grand and Resorts World, who recently received probation and a fine for regulatory violations.

Investigations Continue

Officials stated that the investigations will now continue, and the involvement of various resorts and alleged illegal bookmakers will be considered. Federal authorities have already charged or reached plea agreements with a number of people in connection with the case, but many believe that there will be further repercussions across the industry.

The Nevada Current reported:

The investigation of Nix, Sibella, and his former employers has widened to include other resorts and other alleged illegal bookmakers, including Bowyer and LeForbes. A dozen individuals have been charged or entered plea agreements in connection with the case, according to federal authorities.

It was also reported that a raid on Bowyer’s residence led to the seizure of a phone belonging to Jennifer Belcastro, who is a Las Vegas resident who acted as Bowyer’s host during his initial visit to Resorts World.

Resorts World and state regulators then approved Bowyer’s wife as an independent host, enabling her to represent her husband and recoup some of the losses.