A federal investigation into a betting scandal involving Shohei Ohtani’s disgraced interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, has cast a shadow over the casino license bid of a top contender in New York City. Resorts World Casino, owned by Malaysia-based Genting, is reportedly linked to the probe as Mizuhara’s bookie frequently bet and laundered money at the Las Vegas casino. This connection could potentially lead regulators to scrutinize Genting and Resorts World more closely as they apply for expanded gambling offerings in New York.
Resorts World New York City, located at Aqueduct Racetrack, has been a significant revenue generator, contributing over $4 billion to the state’s public education funding since its establishment in 2011. Due to its successful track record, the casino operator is considered a favorite to secure one of the three new licenses. However, the reported association with the Mizuhara scandal poses reputational risks for Genting, potentially impacting their chances.
Ippei Mizuhara recently agreed to plead guilty to bank and tax fraud, with allegations stating that he embezzled nearly $17 million from Ohtani to settle his gambling debts. The investigation primarily focuses on Mizuhara’s alleged bookie, Matthew Bowyer, who is said to have used Resorts World Las Vegas and another casino for money laundering purposes. Bowyer’s associate would receive payments from Mizuhara, which were then deposited at Resorts World. Bowyer himself incurred substantial losses while gambling at the casino.
A former president of Resorts World Las Vegas, Scott Sibella, was sentenced to probation in a separate case related to turning a blind eye to an illegal bookmaker who laundered money through the MGM Grand during his tenure. Sibella’s plea agreement acknowledged his knowledge of the bookmaking activities but denied any involvement in the Ohtani interpreter gambling scandal.
Both Genting and MGM, another contender for a New York casino license, declined to comment on the ongoing federal probe. The New York State Gaming Commission also refrained from providing any statements. State Senator Joseph Addabbo, whose district borders Resorts World, emphasized the casino’s positive contributions to the community and downplayed the impact of the investigation on their bid.
While these developments present challenges for Resorts World’s ambitions in New York, experts suggest that they may not disqualify the company unless further negative findings emerge from regulatory authorities. The licenses are not expected to be awarded until the end of 2025.
2 Responses
Did you know that sports betting is a multi-billion dollar industry in the United States? According to the American Gaming Association, it is estimated that Americans illegally wager around $150 billion on sports each year. The investigation surrounding Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter highlights the potential risks and consequences associated with illegal betting activities.
1. Stay updated: Keep yourself informed about the latest developments in the betting scandal and the federal investigation. Follow reliable news sources, social media accounts, and online forums to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.
2. Research the contenders: Take the time to research the top contenders for the casino license bid in New York City. Look into their track records, financial stability, and any past controversies. This will help you make an informed decision about which contender to support or be cautious