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Bookmaker in Shohei Ohtani's ex-translator's gambling scandal speaks exclusively with NBC4
By Hetty Chang at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· June 22, 2026
· 1 min read
The Orange County bookmaker at the center of the sports betting scandal involving Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter has been released from prison and spoke exclusively with NBCLA.
Mathew Bowyer, 51, served seven months behind bars after running an illegal bookmaking business that lasted 25 ye...
Key takeaway Mathew Bowyer, 51, served seven months behind bars after running an illegal bookmaking business that lasted 25 ye...
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The case of Mathew Bowyer, the Orange County bookmaker, has significant implications for the Los Angeles community, particularly in the context of sports betting and tax evasion. As a major hub for professional sports, including the Los Angeles Angels, where Shohei Ohtani plays, the city is vulnerable to the influence of illegal sports betting operations. The fact that Bowyer's business lasted 25 years and involved over 1,200 clients, including a high-profile figure like Ippei Mizuhara, raises questions about the effectiveness of local law enforcement in detecting and preventing such activities. Furthermore, Bowyer's requirement to pay $9 million in back taxes, penalties, and interest to the IRS highlights the potential revenue loss for the community due to tax evasion. As the city continues to navigate the complexities of sports betting and gambling, this case serves as a reminder to strengthen local regulations and enforcement to prevent similar scandals in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: library ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Orange County bookmaker at the center of the sports betting scandal involving Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter has been released from prison and spoke exclusively with NBCLA.
Mathew Bowyer, 51, served seven months behind bars after running an illegal bookmaking business that lasted 25 ye...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Hetty Chang at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more library coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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