According to ESPN.com, a report detailing financial misconduct revealed that Ippei Mizuhara, an interpreter for MLB star Shohei Ohtani, orchestrated a scheme involving multiple transfers of $500,000 from Ohtani’s bank account to fund illegal bookmaking. The funds were moved through casinos in California and Las Vegas, where they were converted into chips, used for gambling, and eventually cashed out to pay debts, as per several knowledgeable sources.
This financial saga came under the spotlight during a broad federal investigation triggered when Mizuhara was charged with embezzling $16 million from Ohtani to support his gambling habits. Mathew Bowyer, the recipient of Mizuhara’s bets and a regular at Resorts World in Las Vegas, managed the funds through his “marker” accounts at various casinos. These transactions involved withdrawing chips, gambling, and potentially cashing out winnings.
Bowyer, aged 49, reportedly lost $7.9 million at Resorts World and gambling sites over a period stretching from June 2022 to October 2023. His gambling activities ended abruptly when federal agents raided his home on October 5, leading to his exclusion from the top 10 ones across the United States.
Legal representatives for Bowyer and his associate have refrained from commenting on the issue. Meanwhile, Resorts World has emerged as a focal point in the federal investigation into illegal sports bookmaking and money laundering in Southern California. This includes the charging and conviction of twelve individuals, with two Las Vegas casinos agreeing to pay fines, per a detailed affidavit.
Resorts World, which began operations in 2021 under the leadership of former MGM Grand president Scott Sibella, is currently cooperating with federal authorities. During his tenure at MGM Grand, Sibella admitted failing to report suspicious activities related to another bookmaker, Wayne Nix. Nix, sentenced to probation for running an illegal gambling operation and tax evasion, had notable clients, including NBA’s Scottie Pippen and MLB’s Yasiel Puig.
Further complicating matters, Resorts World faced additional scrutiny in August when it received a federal grand jury subpoena demanding documents on anti-money laundering and customer management practices. Following this, Sibella was dismissed for violating company policies.
On the same day as the raid on Bowyer’s home, authorities seized various items, including electronic devices and luxury goods. Documents indicate that Bowyer, who also owns a Brazilian jiu-jitsu studio, turned to bookmaking as his primary income following his association with convicted bookmaker Owen Hanson after the 2008 financial crisis.
Unlike traditional sportsbooks that require upfront payments, Bowyer’s operation offered betting on credit. Federal authorities report that Mizuhara had accumulated a debt of $40.7 million with Bowyer. Tyler Hatcher, an IRS special agent involved in the case, described Bowyer’s method as typical of bookies aiming to encourage ongoing gambling among clients.
The investigation also revealed a network of bookmakers and agents who manage client relations and betting arrangements, highlighting a tightly-knit community that includes some of the significant names in the business.
Bowyer is known in gambling circles as a “whale,” often visiting Vegas with groups, where they synchronize bets and manage funds collectively. Despite these high-stakes activities, it remains unclear whether his actions triggered any suspicious activity reports by casino staff.
As the legal proceedings continue, including a potential five-year prison term for Sibella, Bowyer, and his close associates maintain a high-profile presence at Resorts World, leveraging significant casino comps and managing financial relationships intricately linked to their gambling behaviors. Before this investigation, Bowyer had faced bans from casinos, although some bans were later lifted.
This ongoing case underscores significant issues surrounding illegal gambling, money laundering, and regulatory oversight within the casino and sports betting industries.
