According to the Nevada Current, three visitors have collectively lost nearly $24 million at Resorts World Las Vegas over several years, and all three are now reportedly under investigation.
Damien LeForbes, one of the gamblers, lost approximately $12.3 million during almost 50 visits to Resorts World. Additionally, LeForbes allegedly issued a bad check worth $2.5 million to the casino.
Ryan Boyajian, known from the “Real Housewives of Orange County” TV show, lost about $3.7 million over 21 visits to Resorts World.
The third gambler, Matt Bowyer, a bookmaker based in California, visited the casino 32 times and lost $7.9 million between 2022 and 2023, according to ESPN.
No Charges Filed Against the Trio
Bowyer, Boyajian, and LeForbes have not been charged with any crimes, as reported by the Current.
Bowyer is also allegedly involved in the theft of funds from Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani by Ippei Mizuhara, who formerly served as Ohtani’s translator. Mizuhara reportedly funneled some stolen money to Bowyer, which eventually reached Boyajian and was deposited at Resorts World. The money was converted into gambling chips, and after cashing out, the funds went back to Bowyer or his associate, according to ESPN.
Mizuhara allegedly embezzled nearly $17 million from Ohtani’s bank account and accrued gambling debts totaling about $40.7 million. He was fired by the Dodgers following the theft revelation. Mizuhara agreed to a plea deal on fraud charges and faces up to 33 years in prison. He was charged with bank fraud and submitting a false tax return.
Ohtani has been deemed a victim and not implicated in any wrongdoing.
Resorts World, for its part, has not been charged with any violations. A casino spokesperson declined to comment, though the casino has stated it is cooperating with investigators.
Review of Vegas Casinos
Several Las Vegas gaming properties are under investigation for potential money laundering and other illicit activities. The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) and federal investigators are among those conducting reviews.
Former Resorts World Las Vegas president Scott Sibella is also under scrutiny for past activities at MGM Grand, where he allegedly allowed illegal bookies to gamble without verifying their funds’ sources. Sibella was fired by Resorts World in September for violating company policy and pleaded guilty in January to violating the Bank Secrecy Act. He was sentenced to one year’s probation and fined $9,500, plus a $100 special assessment.
MGM Resorts will pay $7.5 million for violations at both MGM Grand and The Cosmopolitan, according to the Current.
