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Resorts World has agreed to pay a $10.5 million fine levied against it by the state of Nevada for violating anti-money laundering laws. The fine is the second biggest in the state's history, and it covers a 10-count complaint for Resorts World's failure to comply by letting known illegal bookmakers gamble at the casino for over a year. Resorts World Las Vegas has agreed to pay a $10.5 million fine, the second-largest in Nevada history, to settle a disciplinary complaint for its failure in complying with federal anti-money laundering laws. The Strip resort allegedly allowed recognized illegal bookmakers to wager millions of dollars over the course of more than a year without proper oversight. The Nevada Gaming Control Board disclosed the stipulated settlement on its website on Thursday afternoon. The Nevada Gaming Commission will review the agreement during its upcoming hearing in Las Vegas. The original complaint, filed in August, contained 12 counts, but regulators have since amended it to 10. Kirk Hendrick, Control Board Chairman, explained in an email on Friday that Resorts World had conducted “sufficient enhanced due diligence and other compliance reviews on two individuals - Chad Iwamoto and Edwin Ting - who were initially named in the complaint. As a result, the allegations against those customers were removed. If approved, the $10.5 million fine will be second only to the $20 million penalty imposed on Wynn Resorts in February of 2019. That record-setting fine stemmed from a 10-count complaint related to accusations of sexual misconduct and abuse by former Wynn Resorts Chairman Steve Wynn, who later agreed to pay a separate $10 million fine in July of 2023 - the largest individual penalty ever issued by Nevada regulators. Regulatory actions and leadership changes The NGCB noted in a statement posted on X that Resorts World has undergone extensive leadership changes and implemented numerous remedial measures over the past several months to address the violations. Many of these improvements have focused on strengthening the property's anti-money laundering program. Resorts World, in a statement issued through a New York-based public relations company, agreed to the settlement and expressed its commitment to resolving the matter. The resort also agreed that should any federal enforcement action arise from the allegations, the NGCB reserves the right to file a separate disciplinary complaint. Much of the unlawful activities detailed in the complaint took place under the leadership of Scott Sibella, ex Resorts World Las Vegas President, who was dismissed in September of 2023. Following his departure, Malaysia-based Genting Berhad, which owns the property, implemented significant leadership changes. Alex Dixon, gaming industry veteran, was appointed Chief Executive Officer, and Genting established a new board of directors spearheaded by Jim Murren, a longtime executive in the gaming sector. Other board members include gaming attorney A.G. Burnett, a former NGCB chairman, and former Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval. Additionally, K.T. Lim resigned as Chief Executive Officer of Genting after almost twenty years, and was replaced by former President and Chief Operating Officer Tan Kong Han. Illegal gambling and money laundering allegations The NGCB's complaint focused on the activities of illegal bookmaker Mathew Bowyer, who pleaded guilty earlier this month to charges of money laundering, operating an unlicensed gambling business, and filing an untrue tax return. Regulators stated that Bowyer squandered over $1.2 million at Resorts World in 2022, yet the casino failed to properly identify the source of his funds or ensure he completed required financial documentation. "Resorts World knew, or should have known, that Bowyer was likely engaged in illegal bookmaking," the complaint alleged. Bowyer, a well-known figure in illicit sports betting circles, accepted millions in bets from various clients, including the ex-interpreter for baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani. With the Nevada Gaming Commission set to deliberate on the settlement next week, the case clearly demonstrates the state's ongoing efforts to enforce strict regulatory compliance within the gaming industry. Should the commission approve the agreement, it will serve as a reminder of the consequences for casinos failing to uphold anti-money laundering safeguards.

When you’re a young star on the rise in the ATP Tour, fatigue shouldn’t be an excuse, especially in long, drawn-out heavy showdowns in the tournaments. That was exactly the case when Carlos Alcaraz fell short in his Miami Open run, and it is safe to say that he’s not feeling 100% for his game with the way he has played in the past few tournaments. After failing to defend his title in the Indian Wells Open, Carlos Alcaraz made sure to note his mistakes come up with a better groove, and start winning titles again heading into the second leg of the Sunshine Double. However, that would not be the case as the world no. 3 was caught off-guard and got knocked out of the tournament at the hands of David Goffin. Now, it seems that the focus for Alcaraz is to work out on his issues – and get back on track as soon as possible as he is dropping points. That is not favorable, especially when you’ve got a window to make the most of your chances before Jannik Sinner returns from his doping ban and finally gets back into play. Fatigue Kicking In? Playing in his 90th Masters 1000 tournament, Alcaraz was expected to go off on a blazing pace and keep a strong attack to make the most of his chances. However, the unexpected fatigue coming from his legs in the second set combined with the inconsistency he’s played for most of the match, that is really a bummer – and a rare sight to see considering that he’s barely entered his 20s. “Simply, the guy played great tennis,” World No. 3 Alcaraz said in his press conference. “I didn’t make the most of the chances he gave me and in the end, tennis is based on taking opportunities. If you don’t make the most of them, you allow your opponent to relax and play with confidence. I think that’s what happened today.” Alcaraz was only able to reach deuce twice whenever he is returning the serve. Goffin was able to break him four times in their match as a whole. Credit to the Belgian star, he did put Alcaraz on his heels and was playing catch-up for most of the clash. “It’s true that I didn’t play well and my level was poor, but you have to give some credit to David," Alcaraz added. "I think he has a game that’s hard to play, even though it may not look like it. It’s hard to face. Tonight he was very solid from start to finish. I thought his level would drop a little, but because I didn’t put him under pressure, I think he stayed confident throughout and it didn’t drop.” The Desire to Do Well Alcaraz has not won a tournament to begin his 2025 season yet. That says a lot about how the pace is going for the young star considering that he is already making a strong push in his games last year. The only thing that is keeping him from a big stride is, well, himself. “How am I feeling? Dreadful. Dreadful because of this defeat and because this is a tournament I always want to do well at, and losing my first match hurts,” added Alcaraz, who had not fallen at the first hurdle at this event since his first appearance in 2021. The season is still young for Alcaraz to worry about. The tour is slated to head for one of the most pivotal stretches of the season – the grass and the clay courts are still waiting. Both of those surfaces are Alcaraz’s domains, which should give him a boost once more.