The Nevada Gaming Commission has fined The Venetian $7.2m for allowing convicted illegal bookmaker Mathew Bowyer to gamble at the casino between 2019 and 2021.
As reported by the Las Vegas Review Journal, commissioners voted 3-0 to approve a stipulation and settlement that included the fine, with two commissioners recusing themselves due to potential conflicts of interest. This is the sixth-highest fine ever assessed against a Nevada gaming operator.
Furthermore, Bowyer has been linked to three prior disciplinary actions involving Las Vegas casinos. These cases led to state fines of $10.5m against Resorts World Las Vegas and its parent company, Genting Berhad, $8.5m against MGM Resorts International and $7.8m against Caesars Entertainment.
Although the illegal activity occurred before Apollo Global Management purchased the property, it now, as the current owner, assumes all liabilities. This, known as Successor liability, is common in the casino industry.
Commissioners noted that they are aware that Apollo's managers were not in charge at the time of the activity. However, they still criticized Venetian executives for their slow response after becoming aware of Bowyer's identity.
Previously, Bowyer pleaded guilty to federal charges relating to running an illegal business, tax fraud and money laundering. In August 2025, he was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison and surrendered to federal authorities two months later. He was released in March.
Among many of Bowyer’s clients was Ippei Mizuhara, the former Japanese translator for Major League Baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani. Mizuhara is currently serving a 57-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to federal charges of bank fraud and tax evasion. He admitted to stealing nearly $17m from Ohtani to cover debts linked to illegal gambling.
Nevada fines related to Bowyer’s activities now total $34m
