Resorts World Las Vegas Under Investigation For Possible Money Laundering Involvement

According to reports in Las Vegas, three gamblers under federal investigation for their ties to illegal sports betting rings have collectively lost just under $24 million at Resorts World since the casino’s opening less than three years ago. These figures have raised red flags, with the Nevada Gaming Control Board initiating a related investigation involving a number of casinos in the region.

The individuals at the heart of this investigation are Damien LeForbes, who is being probed by federal authorities for his involvement in illegal sports betting, racked up a staggering $12.3 million in losses during close to four dozen trips to Resorts World. Another regular, Ryan Boyajian, a cast member of the “Real Housewives of Orange County,” lost $3.7 million at the casino’s tables over the course of 21 visits. The connection between these high-rolling gamblers and alleged illegal bookmaker Matt Bowyer has further complicated the case.

The investigation has revealed that some of the payments made by Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter of baseball star Shohei Ohtani, to Bowyer were subsequently deposited into Boyajian’s gambling account at Resorts World. Mizuhara, who stole close to $17 million from Ohtani’s bank account to fuel his own gambling addiction, has already entered a plea deal with federal authorities. This intricate web of money transfers highlights the potential for money laundering within the casino’s operations.

While Resorts World has not been charged with any wrongdoing, the company has stated that it is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigations. The casino’s general counsel, Gerald Gardner, and a public relations firm hired by the company have declined to comment further on the matter, citing the need to protect the integrity of the probe.