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Shohei Ohtani, the star pitcher and hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers, found himself embroiled in a financial scandal after it was revealed that his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, allegedly stole $16 million from him to fund a gambling addiction.
According to a report by ESPN's Tisha Thompson, multiple sources with direct knowledge of the operation assured that Mizuhara sent a series of $500,000 payments from Ohtani's bank to an illegal bookmaking operation.
The money sent by Mizuhara was reportedly forwarded to California and Las Vegas casinos, where it was deposited into gambling s, converted to playing chips, and later cashed out to pay the bookie. One of the bookmakers involved, Mathew Bowyer, lost $7.9 million at Resorts World in Las Vegas between June 2022 and October 2023.
There are 12 indicted so far
Bowyer's associate, who received the payments from Mizuhara, then forwarded the money to his own s at Resorts World and Pechanga Resort Casino in Southern California. The men would withdraw chips from the s, gamble with them, and cash out if they won.
The ongoing federal probe into this illegal gambling operation has led to the indictment of 12 people and fines for two Vegas casinos. Resorts World, where a significant portion of the money was gambled, has been served a federal subpoena related to the investigation.
Mizuhara's actions have brought to light the risks of gambling addiction and the potential for exploitation by those close to high-profile individuals. Ohtani has not commented on the matter, and Mizuhara has not been named in any indictment unsealed to date.
One of the casinos refused to comment on the investigation
Although Resorts World is mentioned in an affidavit for the investigation, a spokesperson for the company said the casino does not comment on ongoing legal matters. "Resorts World Las Vegas takes any suggestion of violations seriously and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation," they said.
The case highlights the challenges faced by professional athletes and the importance of financial oversight and protection against fraud and exploitation. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge as federal authorities continue their probe into the illegal gambling operation.