Bookmaker Pleads Guilty to Illegal Gambling with Ohtani's Ex-Interpreter

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) — A Southern California bookmaker, identified as Bowyer, has pleaded guilty to operating an illegal gambling business, money laundering, and filing a false tax return. This plea comes amid California's strict prohibition on sports gambling, despite its legality in 38 other states and the District of Columbia. Federal prosecutors have not commented on the case following the hearing. The bookmaker's illegal activities included taking thousands of sports bets from a former interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, who recently transitioned from the Los Angeles Angels to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bowyer admitted to stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani's bank account, although prosecutors confirmed that Ohtani was neither involved in nor aware of Bowyer's gambling operations. Ohtani is considered a victim in this case and has cooperated with investigators. Bowyer's clientele reportedly included other professional baseball players, highlighting a broader issue of gambling scandals within the sport. This year has seen significant repercussions for players involved in betting, including the lifetime ban of San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano, marking the first such ban since Pete Rose in 1989. In a concerning communication, Bowyer expressed frustration over his inability to reach Mizuhara, even threatening to approach Ohtani directly. His plea underscores the ongoing challenges and legal ramifications surrounding illegal gambling in sports.