Prominent California Bookmaker to Be Sentenced in April

The sentencing of a prominent California bookie has been delayed, although the exact reason for this decision was not specified. The proceedings, originally scheduled for February, will now take place in April.

Bowyer Acted as a Prominent Illegal Bookmaker

Mathew Bowyer, 49, is a prominent bookmaker who, according to the prosecution, hosted illegal betting for almost half a decade. Prosecutors understood that the man operated in Southern California and Las Vegas, taking huge bets from prominent bettors.

Bowyer’s most notable client was none other than Ippei Mizuhara, a former interpreter and confidant to the Los Angeles Dodgers star player Shohei Ohtani. Mizuhara, who was profoundly trusted by the athlete, betrayed that trust by stealing millions of dollars and channeling them toward Bowyer’s unlicensed betting operation.

Bowyer is also believed to have been involved in the ongoing Resorts World Las Vegas scandal. The company has been embroiled in controversy because its management allegedly turned a blind eye to money laundering happening at the property. The allegations claim that Resorts World not only allowed players with known criminal pasts to bet but also actively encouraged them to do so.

Bowyer in particular was allegedly allowed to gamble at Resorts World for roughly 20 months. He lost approximately $8 million at the property but was never asked to provide a source of his funds.

In August, Bowyer pleaded guilty to allegations of conducting an illegal gambling business, participating in money laundering and submitting false tax returns.

Bowyer’s sentencing has now been scheduled to take place on April 4.

Bowyer’s Wife Is Also in Hot Water

In the meantime, Bowyer’s wife, Nicole Bowyer, also faces scrutiny. She received a two-count complaint from the Nevada Gaming Control Board, which alleged that she served as the bookmaker’s accomplice.

The board pointed out that Nicole served as a casino host at Resorts World and also served as her husband’s personal host. She is said to have earned more than $667,000 thanks to Matthew’s gambling at the property.

According to the NGCB, Nicole has acted as an independent agent for an apparent illegal bookmaker. She was also accused of being uncooperative with the board’s investigation. Her husband, however, denied the allegations that Nicole was not cooperating with the authorities.

In the meantime, Resorts World Las Vegas was given until December 9 to respond to the AML allegations. The NGCB recently confirmed this date, saying that it had agreed to extend the original response deadline after receiving a formal request by the operator.