Las Vegas Man Charged in $8M Illegal Bookmaking Case

A Las Vegas man faces multiple felony charges after a multi-year investigation uncovered an $8 million illegal bookmaking operation. William West Roberts, 57, was arrested following a joint probe by the Nevada Gaming Control Board and the FBI. The investigation began after his ex-girlfriend tipped off authorities by email. Roberts, who went by "Wild Bill," described himself as a "pro sports handicapper of 35-plus years" and charged subscribers $249 per month for sports betting tips. He also owns two businesses: Ace's Family Fitness and Wild Bill Consulting Inc.

Offshore Website and Money Laundering Allegations

Roberts is accused of taking bets through an offshore website based in Costa Rica, a model known in the industry as "pay per head." Under this setup, an unlicensed bookmaker uses an offshore platform to offer betting services to local customers. The offshore provider supplies the website, betting lines, and account management tools, charging a weekly fee per active bettor.

Roberts allegedly mixed proceeds from the illegal operation with revenues from his two businesses. Between 2022 and 2026, he appeared in 334 cash transaction reports totaling $7.4 million, exceeding the $10,000 threshold that triggers mandatory federal filing requirements.

How Investigators Caught Roberts Through Casino Records

Investigators say casino records showed Roberts wagered roughly $8 million at legal Nevada sportsbooks to hedge against losses from his illegal operation. "Illegal bookmakers sometimes place bets on legal wagering platforms for a few practical reasons tied to how their business works," investigators noted.

A sports betting tipster who charged $249 a month for picks allegedly ran an $8 million illegal sportsbook on the side, using legal Nevada casinos to cover his losses and two small businesses to hide the money.

Financial institutions and casinos raised red flags throughout the investigation. "The financial documentation did not substantiate the volume of funds Roberts used to support his lifestyle and casino wagering," investigators said. "Multiple financial institutions closed Roberts' accounts due to suspicious banking activity, and casinos likewise identified irregularities associated with his transactions."

Felony Charges Roberts Now Faces After His Arrest

Roberts was booked at the Clark County Detention Center on felony counts, including operating a gaming establishment without a license, disseminating racing information without a license, and receiving compensation for bets without a gaming license. He also faces gross misdemeanor counts of accepting an unlawful wager in Nevada and attempting to launder money, plus one misdemeanor count of accepting an illegal bet from a person outside Nevada. Roberts has posted a surety bond and is scheduled to return to court on May 12. Court records do not list an attorney for him.