SANTA ANA, Calif. – An illegal bookmaker, Mathew Bowyer, has been sentenced to just over a year in prison following charges of running an illegal gambling business, money laundering, and filing a false tax return. U.S. District Judge John W. Holcomb handed down a sentence of 12 months and one day, accompanied by two years of supervised release. Bowyer was also mandated to attend gambling addiction counseling and surrender to authorities by October 10th. As part of the sentencing, Bowyer paid $1.6 million in restitution, reflecting the financial impact of his illegal activities. At 50 years old, Bowyer pleaded guilty in August 2024 to these serious offenses. Judge Holcomb emphasized that the tax-related crime was particularly significant and required consideration in the sentencing. He stated, "Justice demands there be some custody time." The prosecution, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Williams, had initially sought a 15-month sentence for Bowyer, citing his crucial role in securing convictions against Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei MizuHara, and another Southern California bookmaker. Williams highlighted the societal harm caused by Bowyer’s crime, arguing that it wasn’t simply a case of an addict getting into trouble. "He’s going out and talking to news media, talking about Mr. MizuHara, the business he was in, there is a certain amount of notoriety that he is enjoying," she noted. The sentencing hearing was attended by Ryan Boyajian, Bowyer’s associate and recipient of the wire transfers from Ohtani’s bank account, who received immunity in exchange for his testimony. Boyajian declined to comment following the proceedings.
Court filings reveal that Bowyer operated a large-scale gambling business for many years, servicing over 700 clients. The operation began after Bowyer and MizuHara met at a poker game in San Diego in 2021. MizuHara subsequently placed at least 19,000 wagers between December 2021 and January 2024, losing nearly $41 million and ultimately stealing almost $17 million from Ohtani to cover his gambling debts. Bowyer admitted he recognized MizuHara’s problematic gambling behavior within 30 days, noting the "frequency and type of bets he was making," including substantial wagers such as $100,000 on Ukraine vs. Turkey and $100,000 on Saudi Arabia. The investigation into this illicit activity was triggered in March 2024 when ESPN began inquiring about millions in wire transfers from Ohtani’s account to Bowyer’s operation.
Currently, MizuHara is serving a 57-month sentence at FCI Allenwood Low, a low-security prison in Pennsylvania. The case underscores the serious consequences of illegal gambling operations and the potential for exploitation within the sports and entertainment industries. Further investigation and prosecution are ongoing to address the full scope of this complex and high-profile case.
