Caesars Palace fined $7.8 million over Shohei Ohtani interpreter’s money laundering issues

Core Viewpoint - Caesars Palace has been fined $7.8 million by Nevada gaming regulators for failing to comply with anti-money laundering rules, linked to an illegal bookmaker associated with Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter [1][2]. Group 1: Regulatory Actions - The Nevada Gaming Control Board accused Caesars Palace of not verifying the source of funds for bookmaker Mathew Bowyer, who gambled millions from 2017 to 2024 despite multiple red flags [2]. - This fine marks the third instance of a casino being penalized in relation to Bowyer's activities, following a $10.5 million fine imposed on Resorts World earlier this year [2]. Group 2: Company Response - Caesars executives acknowledged failures in their systems to detect such illegal activities, with CEO Tom Reeg stating that no customer is worth illegitimate profits and admitting the oversight regarding Bowyer [3]. - The settlement requires Caesars Palace to enhance compliance with anti-money laundering laws, including increased staff training [4]. Group 3: Related Legal Issues - Mathew Bowyer pleaded guilty to federal charges in 2024, which included operating an illegal gambling business and money laundering, taking bets from numerous individuals, including Ohtani's former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara [3]. - Mizuhara was sentenced to five years in prison for bank and tax fraud after embezzling nearly $17 million from Ohtani's account [4]. Group 4: Industry Context - Earlier in the year, MGM Resorts International faced an $8.5 million fine related to Bowyer and another bookmaker, highlighting ongoing regulatory scrutiny in the gaming industry [5].