Las Vegas Casino Money Laundering Probe Expands

A federal investigation concerning money laundering related to a case concerning a former MGM executive and underground bookmaker is now widening, according to recent reports.

The probe now includes other illegal bookmakers and high-stakes gamblers as well as other casinos. Along with the FBI and IRS, the Nevada Current recently reported that the Nevada Gaming Control Board has also been investigating.

“We have five two-man teams and each team is investigating two to three properties,” a source with knowledge of the board’s efforts told the news outlet.

Investigations Continues

The news comes after former president of MGM Grand Scott Sibella pleaded guilty to violating federal anti-money laundering laws. Authorities allege Sibella allowed underground bookie Wayne Nix to gamble large amounts of money at the property without alerting federal officials as required by law.

Nix’s operation used professional athletes to help acquire bettors and also used the relationship with the MGM Grand to expand that as well, according to the investigation. Nix and his bettors were treated to free rooms, meals, and more at MGM properties.

In 2022, Nix and several associates pleaded guilty to running the illegal operation and other crimes, including tax violations. Law enforcement has also recently been investigating others believed to be involved with similar underground betting operations as well as their activities at Las Vegas casinos.

That includes looking into the Vegas gambling activity of Matt Bowyer, who is a major part of the recent gambling case involving the former interpreter for pitcher Shohei Ohtani. Bowyer’s home in California was raided by feds in October and a phone belonging to his Las Vegas casino host was also confiscated on the same day, according to the Nevada Current.

Gaming Control Board agents have reportedly contacted officials at the Venetian, Aria, Resorts World, and other casinos concerning another high-stakes gambler and poker player, Damien LeForbes. He had his California home raided by federal officials as well. Federal law enforcement continues to investigate.

“Financial institutions have a duty under the law to report criminal or suspicious activity occurring at the institution though SARs,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally said in January after MGM and Cosmopolitan agreed to pay a total of $7.5 million in fines related to the Sibella case. “Our office will aggressively prosecute corporate executives and employees who turn a blind eye to criminal actors depositing illegal funds at casinos and financial institutions.”