Caesars Entertainment is facing a $7.8 million fine from Nevada’s gaming regulators. The Nevada Gaming Control Board filed a complaint against the operator for “unsuitable methods of operation” at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
The problems stem from illegal bookmaker Mathew Bowyer, who ran an unlicensed gambling operation inside the property. Caesars didn’t catch it.
The Nevada Gaming Commission will vote on the proposed settlement November 20. If approved, the money goes straight to Nevada’s General Fund. Caesars will also face unnamed restrictions on its gaming licenses, though specifics haven’t been disclosed yet.
Why This Penalty Signals Tougher AML Enforcement
This marks Nevada’s second major fine connected to Bowyer’s illegal betting ring this year. Resorts World Las Vegas paid $10.5 million back in March for similar failures.
That was the second-largest penalty Nevada gaming regulators had ever issued at the time. Now Caesars is looking at the third-biggest.
The pattern shows regulators aren’t backing down on anti-money laundering requirements. Both casinos failed to spot or stop Bowyer’s operation despite having compliance programs in place.
Bowyer’s scheme was sophisticated but not invisible. He used agents and sub-agents working inside the casinos, including hosts on the casino payroll. They got paid from bettor losses.
What Caesars Must Fix Beyond the Fine
The settlement requires more than just writing a check. Caesars has to upgrade its entire AML program with specific improvements the board will monitor.
Employee training is getting expanded. Staff need better awareness of what suspicious activity looks like and how to report it properly.
But the “specific conditions” on Caesars’ gaming approvals remain vague for now. Those details should come out at the November 20 hearing when both Caesars’ lawyers and the Nevada Attorney General’s Office explain the settlement terms.
How This Case Connects to Previous Enforcement
The Resorts World case showed how serious these failures can get. Former President Scott Sibella lost his job in September 2023 after breaking federal AML rules throughout his time running the property.
His firing came before the company paid its $10.5 million fine six months later.
The NGCB has new leadership now. Mike Dreitzer, formerly CEO of Gaming Arts, took over as chairman in June 2025 after Governor Joe Lombardo appointed him in April.
So far, the aggressive enforcement approach hasn’t changed. If anything, these back-to-back settlements suggest Nevada is tightening its grip on casino compliance standards.
