Mathew Bowyer Pleads Guilty in California Illegal Sports Betting Scandal

Sentencing and Potential Penalties

Bowyer admitted to running the illegal operation, laundering money through other people’s bank accounts, and filing a false tax return.

His plea was entered in a hearing at the Ronald Reagan Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Santa Ana, California, before Judge John W. Holcomb.

Bowyer’s illegal sportsbook had more than 700 customers, including high-profile individuals such as Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani.

Mizuhara, who had previously pleaded guilty to embezzling $17 million from Ohtani to fund his betting activities with Bowyer, faces up to 33 years in prison and is set to be sentenced in October 2024.

Judge Holcomb scheduled Bowyer’s sentencing for February 7, 2025. Bowyer could face up to 18 years in prison, followed by three years of probation.

Additionally, he may be fined $750,000 or twice the amount of the “gross gain or gross loss resulting from the offenses,” whichever is greater. Running an illegal gambling business is a serious federal offense, especially in a state like California where sports betting is not legalized.

Broader Scandal and Additional Charges

Bowyer is the fourth individual to be charged in connection with a broader Southern California sports betting scandal.

The investigation, which began last year, has already implicated several key figures, including Wayne Nix, who was charged in 2022 and is awaiting sentencing on September 25, 2024.

Mizuhara’s involvement in the scandal has drawn significant attention due to his connection to Shohei Ohtani, one of Major League Baseball’s biggest stars. Mizuhara’s sentencing is scheduled for October 25, 2024.