The Nevada Gaming Control Board on Wednesday continued its crackdown on illegal gambling and money laundering in the state’s casinos, nominating convicted illegal bookie Mathew Bowyer to the blacklist.
The list, also known as Nevada’s “black book,” currently includes 37 people who are banned from Nevada casinos.
It is unclear when the Nevada Gaming Commission will consider its vote to expel Bowyer, who is incarcerated in Lompoc, Calif., after beginning in October a 12-month, one-day sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge John Holcomb in Santa Ana, Calif., in August. Rules allow him to have a hearing to rebut charges.
Board member George Assad said it’s possible a hearing could take place in March and Bowyer could be represented by an attorney, appear via video conference or, if California officials allow, in person through an escorted release.
Assad noted that most list nominees do not seek hearings.
Assistant Attorney General Nona Lawrence said Wednesday that Bowyer is scheduled to be released from prison on Aug. 16.
Bowyer, the illegal bookie who raked in millions of dollars in sports bets from Los Angeles Dodger baseball star Shohei Ohtani’s former translator and de facto manager, was sentenced Aug. 29 to 12 months and one day in prison.
Bowyer pleaded guilty in 2023 to federal charges of operating an illegal gambling operation, money laundering and filing a false tax return. He took sports bets from an estimated 700 players, including translator Ippei Mizuhara, who was sentenced to four years in prison in February for stealing an estimated $17 million from Ohtani, a superstar designated hitter and pitcher for the Dodgers.
Bowyer received what was considered a light sentence because he had no prior criminal history, paid restitution of more than $1.6 million and provided prosecutors with evidence that led them to other illegal gamblers.
His name has come up in three previous disciplinary actions taken in 2025 involving a $10.5 million fine imposed on Resorts World Las Vegas and its parent company, Genting Berhad, in March, an $8.5 million fine against MGM Resorts International in April and a $7.8 million fine against Caesars Entertainment Inc. in November.
The nomination to the list was the second in two months by the control board. In December, the board nominated former baseball player Wayne Nix, who pleaded guilty in April 2022 in federal court to conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and to filing a false tax return. His sentencing has been delayed several times and is now scheduled for March.
The Nevada Gaming Commission, which has final say on who is excluded, last placed someone on the list in April 2024 when Neal Ahmad Hearne, 45, of North Las Vegas was added.
This is a development story. Check back for updates.
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