Published on: January 14, 2026, 11:09 AM.
Updated on: January 14, 2026, 11:13 AM.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has officially nominated Mathew Bowyer to be added to the state’s List of Excluded Persons, commonly referred to as the “Black Book.” This list identifies individuals who are permanently barred from entering any Nevada casinos. Bowyer, a convicted illegal bookmaker, was responsible for a $26.8 million cost to Las Vegas casino operators regarding money-laundering penalties last year due to his illegal activities at Resorts World, as well as various properties under MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment.
The ultimate decision regarding Bowyer’s inclusion in the Black Book rests with the Nevada Gaming Commission, which has the authority to approve nominations from the NGCB. Historically, the Commission has consistently endorsed the nominations put forth by the NGCB.
Bowyer is currently serving a sentence exceeding one year in federal prison. His eligibility for nomination stems from a guilty plea in 2023 related to overseeing an extensive illegal gambling operation, laundering funds, and submitting a fraudulent tax return. He has the legal right to contest the allegations against him through a hearing.
Bowyer is expected to be released from the Federal Correctional Institution in Lompoc, California, on August 16, 2026.
A Noteworthy Nomination
Bowyer’s illegal gambling network catered to approximately 700 bettors, notably including Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani. Mizuhara was sentenced to four years in prison in February for embezzling $17 million from Ohtani to settle his debts.
Throughout 2025, Bowyer’s actions were instrumental in disciplinary rulings that imposed a $10.5 million fine on Resorts World, an $8.5 million fine on MGM Resorts International, and a $7.8 million fine on Caesars Entertainment.
During the NGCB’s meeting on Wednesday, as reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, chair Mike Dreitzer emphasized the significance of making an example out of Bowyer.
“Typically, I wouldn’t spotlight a figure like this in a forum like this,” Dreitzer stated, according to the R-J. “However, it’s vital to acknowledge that today’s board action targets the fundamental purpose of Nevada’s gaming regulatory mission—ensuring the integrity of gaming, fostering public confidence, and protecting the state’s hard-earned reputation as a premier authority in gaming oversight.”
Dreitzer further highlighted that exclusion from casinos is an uncommon measure and is only enacted in circumstances where allowing an individual entry could “diminish public trust” or “damage Nevada’s longstanding reputation.” He asserted that Bowyer epitomizes the rationale behind the Black Book.
Bowyer’s nomination marks the second addition to the Black Book within two months. In December, the NGCB unanimously recommended the exclusion of Wayne Nix, a former minor-league baseball player transitioned into an illegal bookmaker whose actions led to the fall of Resorts World President and COO Scott Sibella. Nix pleaded guilty in 2022 for running an illegal gambling operation and submitting a false tax return.
The last addition to the list by the Nevada Gaming Commission occurred in April 2024, when they added Neal Ahmad Hearne, 45, from North Las Vegas, who had two felony theft convictions for stealing casino chips and fleeing—first at Aria in 2018 (attempted theft) and again at Silverton (theft).