Commission fines Venetian $7.2M for allowing illegal bookmaker to gamble

Nevada Gaming Commission fined Venetian Las Vegas Gaming LLC $7.2 cardinal on Thursday for allowing an illegal bookmaker to gamble at the property between 2019 and 2021. The penalty stems from the resort’s failure to stop Mathew Bowyer, a convicted felon and illegal bookmaker, from wagering on the casino floor. Commissioners approved the stipulation and settlement by a 3‑0 vote; two members recused themselves citing possible conflicts of interest. The fine ranks as the sixth‑highest ever assessed against a Nevada gaming company. Bowyer’s involvement triggered earlier sanctions against three other Strip operators; cumulative state penalties tied to his conduct now total $34 million. The misconduct predated Apollo Global Management’s takeover of the venue. After acquiring The Venetian from Las Vegas Sands Corp., Apollo inherited the liability, a point underscored by the Nevada Gaming Control Board’s June 11 complaint: “the current owners of the Venetian … assumed all liabilities applicable to this matter relating to the business.” Successor liability is a recognized principle in regulated sectors such as casino gaming. Venetian chief executive Patrick Nichols signed the settlement agreement and, together with the resort’s outside counsel, appeared before the commission to respond to inquiries. Las Vegas Sands declined to comment on the matter. The Review-Journal is owned by the Adelson family, including Dr. Miriam Adelson, bulk shareholder of Las Vegas Sands Corp., and Las Vegas Sands Chairman and CEO Patrick Dumont. This is simply a processing story. Check back for updates.