Ippei Mizuhara’s bookmaker thinks Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers was aware of the gambling.
In a story that has shocked the baseball world and rippled through the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, a new claim has emerged in the ongoing gambling investigation surrounding Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani. According to a recent report, the bookmaker at the center of the scandal now asserts that Ohtani had knowledge of Mizuhara’s illegal gambling activity—a claim that, if proven true, could become one of the most consequential sports scandals in recent history.
Until now, Ohtani has maintained that he was unaware of Mizuhara’s gambling activities, and federal authorities have repeatedly emphasized that the player is not a target in the investigation. However, statements made by the alleged bookmaker are reigniting questions about how much Ohtani knew, and whether the superstar’s image as Major League Baseball’s golden boy may be tarnished.
The Origins of the Scandal
Ippei Mizuhara, once seen as Ohtani’s trusted right-hand man and personal interpreter since his MLB debut, was fired by the Dodgers in March 2024 following reports that linked him to illegal sports betting and the theft of nearly $4.5 million from Ohtani’s bank account to pay off gambling debts. Mizuhara initially told reporters that Ohtani had willingly paid off his debt, but his story quickly changed. Through Ohtani’s representatives, the narrative shifted—Ohtani was described as a victim of theft, blindsided by someone he trusted implicitly.
The federal investigation quickly took over, with Mizuhara facing potential charges of wire fraud, identity theft, and illegal gambling. However, investigators reiterated on multiple occasions that Ohtani was not under investigation, nor was there any evidence implicating him in illegal betting or knowledge of Mizuhara’s activities.
The Bookmaker Breaks His Silence
Now, the situation may be taking another turn.
According to a new ESPN report and corroborated by sources close to the federal case, Matthew Bowyer—the alleged bookmaker who handled Mizuhara’s gambling action—has privately told associates that he believes Ohtani was aware of Mizuhara’s betting activity. Bowyer, a Southern California-based figure under federal scrutiny, reportedly stated that it was implausible for Ohtani to be completely unaware that such large sums of money were being transferred from his own bank account over an extended period of time.
Bowyer has not formally spoken to the media, and his attorneys have declined comment. However, if his claims are taken seriously by investigators or the public, they could undermine the narrative that has so far shielded Ohtani from significant reputational damage.
A Perfect Storm of Suspicion
The claim by Bowyer, while unverified and possibly self-serving, is enough to raise eyebrows. Mizuhara and Ohtani were inseparable—traveling together, dining together, and sharing a professional and personal bond that made them appear like family. That level of closeness makes it difficult for some observers to believe that Ohtani could have been entirely unaware of Mizuhara’s gambling struggles, which spanned years and involved staggering amounts of money.
While bank records show the transfers were made from Ohtani’s account to Bowyer’s operation, Ohtani’s camp has maintained that those transactions were executed without the player’s knowledge or approval. In one interview, a lawyer for Ohtani claimed that Mizuhara had access to Ohtani’s bank login credentials and used them to initiate unauthorized wire transfers.
Critics of this explanation point out the unusual nature of such an arrangement. Why would a player of Ohtani’s stature give anyone full access to his personal financial accounts? Could he truly have been unaware of millions vanishing from his balance? These are the questions Bowyer’s allegations resurface—questions that the public, the media, and possibly MLB investigators are now revisiting.
MLB’s Delicate Dance
Major League Baseball has so far treaded carefully with regard to Ohtani. Commissioner Rob Manfred has said that the league is closely monitoring the federal investigation but would not launch a parallel probe unless Ohtani himself came under suspicion.
That stance may no longer be tenable.
The league’s integrity is at stake—especially as it continues to expand its partnerships with sports betting platforms like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM. A scandal involving the league’s most marketable international star could threaten not just public trust but also the multi-billion dollar relationships MLB has fostered with gambling partners.
If more credible evidence emerges linking Ohtani to knowledge of the betting, MLB may be forced to investigate independently. And while the league cannot levy criminal charges, it could issue suspensions or fines if it believes its gambling policies were violated—even tangentially.
Mizuhara’s Role: Gambler or Scapegoat?
Ippei Mizuhara’s role in all of this continues to evolve. After his firing, he reportedly entered a treatment program for gambling addiction and has been cooperating with federal investigators. He has not spoken publicly since the initial fallout, and his legal team has been tight-lipped as prosecutors build their case.
Some insiders speculate that Mizuhara may ultimately strike a plea deal in exchange for a lighter sentence, possibly offering testimony about how the scheme unfolded. Whether that testimony will include any mention of Ohtani’s awareness remains unknown, but prosecutors would be extremely cautious about presenting unverified claims against such a high-profile individual without solid evidence.
At the same time, some believe that Mizuhara is being used as a convenient fall guy—a solitary figure to absorb all the blame while the institutions around him try to protect their most valuable asset in Ohtani.
The Public Relations Puzzle
Shohei Ohtani has long been considered a generational talent with an unblemished reputation—both on and off the field. His humility, work ethic, and dominance as a two-way player have made him an icon in both Japan and the United States. Endorsements with major companies like New Balance, Seiko, and Boss have added to his mystique.
So far, that image has survived this scandal. But Bowyer’s recent comments risk changing that.
Even if Ohtani is never criminally implicated, the mere suggestion that he might have known about the gambling—and done nothing—could chip away at the pristine image that has defined his brand. The court of public opinion is not as patient or forgiving as the legal system. And in the social media age, speculation often spreads faster than the truth.
Legal and Ethical Implications
From a legal standpoint, Ohtani’s exposure remains limited unless evidence emerges that he knowingly participated in or covered up illegal activity. That threshold is high. Prosecutors would need concrete proof that he was complicit, not merely negligent or unaware.
However, from an ethical and organizational standpoint, MLB could still decide that a player who knowingly allowed someone in his inner circle to engage in illegal gambling should be disciplined—even if he didn’t place bets himself. It’s a matter of optics, precedent, and league integrity.
Former players and analysts are split. Some believe Ohtani deserves the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise. Others argue that a player of his stature should be held to a higher standard of awareness and accountability.
What Happens Next?
For now, the ball remains in the hands of federal investigators. They will decide whether to bring charges against Mizuhara and whether Bowyer’s claims carry enough weight to merit further scrutiny of Ohtani.
In the meantime, the Dodgers are trying to manage the distraction. The team has reiterated its support for Ohtani, with manager Dave Roberts telling reporters that the superstar remains focused and professional. Ohtani himself has stayed mostly silent since the initial press conference, letting his legal team speak on his behalf.
But silence may not be sustainable forever. If more voices—like Bowyer’s—begin to challenge Ohtani’s version of events, public pressure may mount for the star to address the situation more directly.
 A Complicated Legacy
No matter how this ends, the story has already reshaped the narrative around Shohei Ohtani. The trust he placed in Ippei Mizuhara, the lax oversight of millions in bank transfers, and the shadow of gambling—all threaten to complicate what was once a fairytale rise.
If Bowyer’s claims are unfounded, Ohtani may eventually be vindicated and his image restored. But if they are even partially true, the implications for both his career and MLB’s reputation could be enormous.
For now, all eyes remain on the investigation—and on Ohtani, as he attempts to continue dominating on the field while a storm brews off it.
