Everyday, gamblers in Sin City are set to lose massive amounts of money, no surprise there. But $24 million is a lot to take, even if you are a high-roller. This was certainly the case with three men who lost $24 million in Las Vegas’ Resorts World in a span of several years. What’s more interesting to note is that all three men are currently being investigated, as confirmed by the Nevada Current.

The big losers?

Damien LeForbes is one of the gamblers at the top of the list, having lost approximately $12.3 million in almost 50 visits to the casino. LeForbes, who is also under scrutiny for presenting a bad check worth $2.5 million to the same Resorts World, appears to have been the most frequent and significant loser among the trio.

But it doesn’t end there. Ryan Boyajian, known for his appearances on the reality TV show “Real Housewives of Orange County,” lost around $3.7 million over 21 visits. His association with the casino adds a layer of celebrity intrigue to the unfolding financial drama.

Lastly, Matt Bowyer, a bookmaker from California, reportedly lost $7.9 million in 32 visits in 2022 to 2023. But Bowyer's involvement extends beyond mere gambling losses, as he is also allegedly linked to the theft of Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani’s money by former translator Ippei Mizuhara, according to ESPN.

The Ohtani connection

Bowyer's connection to the Ohtani scandal further complicates the situation. Mizuhara allegedly embezzled almost $17 million from Ohtani, channeling some of this money to Bowyer, hence the connection. It is allegedly reported that portions of these funds ended up in Boyajian's account at Resorts World as well, and they were later converted to gambling chips and subsequently cashed out, with the money going to Bowyer or his accomplice.

Mizuhara, as most of you may already know, is deeply indebted with gambling losses totaling $40.7 million. He agreed to a plea bargain after facing charges of bank fraud and submitting a false tax return, and he could face up to 33 years in prison if convicted. Despite the gravity of these accusations, Ohtani remains free of any wrongdoing, seen only as a victim of Mizuhara's fraudulent activities.

Legal and regulatory scrutiny

Currently, neither LeForbes, Boyajian, nor Bowyer have been charged with any crimes related to their gambling losses or associated activities. Resorts World itself hasn't faced any charges, though it is cooperating with ongoing investigations. A spokesperson for Resorts World declined commenting on the situation when approached by Casino.org, highlighting the casino's stance of full cooperation with investigators.

Needless to say, the investigations into these activities form part of a broader scrutiny of Las Vegas casinos. For instance, multiple properties associated with iGaming are under review for potential money laundering and other illicit activities, with oversight by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) and other federal investigators.

The fallout has even extended to the former president of Resorts World Las Vegas, Scott Sibella, who is under fire for activities dating back to his tenure at MGM Grand. Sibella reportedly allowed illegal bookies to gamble at the casino without probing the sources of their funding. The case even involves Wayne Nix, a known gambler and high-roller, whose sentencing is pending as well.

Sibella's involvement led to his dismissal from Resorts World in September for policy violations. In fact, he pleaded guilty to Bank Secrecy Act violations and was sentenced to a year’s probation, alongside having to settle a fine of $9,500 and a special assessment of $100. Meanwhile, MGM Resorts faces a $7.5 million penalty for violations at both The Cosmopolitan and MGM Grand.

The broader implications of these goings-on

It’s obvious that this high-profile investigation underscores the increasing scrutiny on Las Vegas casinos, revealing vulnerabilities in the financial operations of some of the city's most iconic establishments. As federal and state regulatory bodies continue their investigations, the industry faces pressure to tighten controls and enhance transparency to prevent similar incidents in the future.

While the spotlight remains on LeForbes, Boyajian, and Bowyer, the broader implications for the Las Vegas casino sector could lead to significant changes in regulatory practices and operational oversight. These ongoing investigations serve as a reminder of the risks inherent in high-stakes gambling - and the necessity of stringent regulatory frameworks to safeguard against financial misconduct.