Overview

• U.S. District Judge John W. Holcomb sentenced Mathew Bowyer to 12 months and one day in prison, two years of supervised release, gambling addiction counseling, and surrender by Oct. 10.
• Bowyer paid about $1.6 million in restitution to the IRS before sentencing after pleading guilty in August 2024 to operating an illegal gambling business, money laundering, and filing a false tax return.
• Prosecutors said Bowyer provided significant, timely, and credible assistance that helped secure separate convictions, and they sought a reduced 15‑month term in recognition of that cooperation.
• Authorities say Bowyer’s unlicensed operation ran for at least five years with more than 700 clients, including Ippei Mizuhara, who placed at least 19,000 wagers, lost nearly $41 million, and stole nearly $17 million from Shohei Ohtani; Mizuhara is serving 57 months, and Ohtani is treated as a victim.
• The broader probe also spurred regulatory fallout, including a $10.5 million Nevada fine against Resorts World tied to concerns about ties to illegal bookmaking.