US media reported that Major League star Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter still has gambling debts at a bookmaker.
The Orange County Register, citing sources associated with alleged illegal bookmaker Matthew Bowyer, said Ippei Mizuhara still had outstanding gambling debts. When reached by phone Wednesday, Bowyer reportedly declined to comment to the media.
The Orange County Register reported that Bowyer and Mizuhara’s relationship began in 2021 when they met through mutual friends in a hotel lobby in San Diego, California.
The friend reportedly introduced Mr. Mizuhara, who was placing a bet with another bookmaker on his cell phone, to Bowyer, saying, “You should bet on this person.”
According to the report, Mizuhara began placing small bets on international soccer, basketball, and football, but not on baseball. Sources said the stakes increased as losses mounted.
US media reported that at least $4.5 million was transferred from Ohtani’s bank account to Bowyer associates. Otani’s lawyer accused Mizuhara of sending the money. Mizuhara told US media and others that the money was to pay off sports gambling debts.
