More Details Emerge about Extent of Illegal California Bookie's Operations
Recent court documents have unveiled the expansive scope of the illegal bookmaking operation allegedly run by Mathew Bowyer. Already facing charges for his role in the betting scandal tied to MLB star Shohei Ohtani and his former interpreter, more charges could be added.
MLB star Shoehei Ohtani on a baseball field. (Source: Associated Press)
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The operation, which reportedly serviced over 700 customers, is said to have involved money laundering through various casinos in California and Las Vegas – allegedly including Resorts World Las Vegas – and the utilization of Costa Rican betting websites. The exact inception date of Bowyer's operation remains uncertain; however, it is believed to have been active until October 5, 2023, which coincides with the commencement of the federal investigation into Bowyer's activities.
Related: Illegal Bookie to Plead Guilty for Role in Shohei Ohtani-Linked Betting ScandalThe investigation has revealed connections between Bowyer and several individuals within the professional baseball sphere. Notably, Bowyer has been linked to Ippei Mizuhara, who previously served as Ohtani's interpreter.
Additionally, two professional baseball players, referred to as Individual B and Individual C in the court documents, have been implicated. These individuals, described as close friends, are speculated to be former Angels infielder David Fletcher and Cody Shultz, a former minor league player.
Neither has been formally charged. The MLB launched an inquiry into Fletcher in May, who is currently associated with the Atlanta Braves farm system, while Shultz has since retired from baseball.
According to reports, Shultz may have also engaged in illegal bookmaking in collaboration with Bowyer. The operation's base spanned across Orange and Los Angeles counties in California and extended to Clark County in Las Vegas.
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Extensive Casino and Costa Rica Involvement
According to court records, Bowyer engaged in gambling activities at "Casino A" within both the sportsbook and private gambling areas. Casino A employees in Las Vegas were apparently aware of Bowyer's illegal bookmaking operations.
Staff members witnessed Bowyer taking calls and discussing his betting business while involved in table games. Additionally, Bowyer allegedly collected payments for his enterprise directly at Casino A, often using casino chips or cash stored in envelopes or bags.
Bowyer's alleged activities extended to recruiting casino hosts to work for his operation. At least two Casino A hosts facilitated the introduction of at least four potential bettors to Bowyer.
To manage his business, Bowyer employed agents and sub-agents who were compensated through a commission on bets placed. These agents operated independently, recruiting bettors, handling payments, and distributing winnings. Court documents indicate Bowyer collaborated with at least five other illegal bookmakers.
Bowyer's betting operation utilized black-market betting platforms. Commissions were sometimes paid using casino chips from Casino A, while in other instances, losing bettors paid winning bettors directly. The documents detail substantial bank transfers to Casino A, totaling $9,339,000, and at least $9 million to another Southern California casino. These funds were allegedly used to settle debts or credit lines for Bowyer and his associates.
The group of bookmakers employed Costa Rican betting websites and a third-party call center to create accounts for bettors. Once accounts were established, Bowyer or his agents informed customers of wagering limits and provided account access credentials.
If convicted, Bowyer could face up to 18 years in prison and three years of supervised release. Furthermore, he may be subjected to a fine of $750,000 or twice the amount of the financial gain or loss derived from his alleged criminal activities, depending on which sum is greater.
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