Las Vegas Man Arrested in $8M Shadow Betting Scheme; FBI and State Agents Uncover ‘Wild Bill’ Operation

LAS VEGAS, NV — A multi-year investigation by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) and the FBI has culminated in the arrest of a local man accused of running a multimillion-dollar illegal bookmaking operation out of his Northwest Las Vegas home.

The Takedown

William West Roberts, 57, was taken into custody Tuesday following a complex probe that utilized undercover agents and confidential human sources. Roberts is facing multiple counts related to operating an unlicensed gambling business and commingling illicit funds with legitimate enterprises.

The ‘Layoff’ Scheme

According to the NGCB arrest report, Roberts allegedly operated an illegal sportsbook via an offshore website based in Costa Rica. To manage his financial exposure and “hedge” against large wins by his clients, Roberts utilized a strategy known as “laying off” bets.

Volume: Investigators allege Roberts placed over $8 million in wagers at licensed Nevada sportsbooks between 2022 and 2026 to offset his illegal book’s risk.
The Paper Trail: Roberts was flagged in 334 separate cash transaction reports during that period, totaling approximately $7.4 million in suspicious movements across Southern Nevada casinos.

Business Fronts

Authorities allege Roberts attempted to mask the origin of the gambling proceeds by commingling funds with two local businesses:

Ace’s Family Fitness: A gym located at 7171 N. Hualapai Way.
Wild Bill Consulting Inc.: A social media-based “gambling tip” service used to attract and communicate with bettors.

The investigation was bolstered by recorded conversations where Roberts reportedly discussed the inner workings of his bookmaking operation with undercover agents.

Source: CDC Gaming Reports, Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB), FBI Las Vegas Field Office.