Ex-Resorts World and MGM Grand President to Have License Suspended, Pay a Fine

Scott Sibella, the controversial former president of Resorts World Las Vegas and MGM Grand, has agreed to forfeit his gaming license for the next few years. This agreement with the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) came in response to claims that Sibella allowed people with criminal pasts to gamble.

Sibella to Pay a $10k Fine and Lose His License for 5 Years

Among other things, Sibella allegedly allowed ex-baseball athlete Wayne Nix to gamble millions of dollars at the MGM Grand. The then-president allegedly knew that Nix was involved in an illegal sports betting scheme but allowed him to play regardless.

The agreement with the NGCB will effectively deprive Sibella of his license for five years, although it would spare him a lifetime ban. Most importantly, the agreement would also cover the violations Sibella committed during his time as president of Resorts World Las Vegas.  

In addition, the former executive will pay a fine of $10,000 to the NGCB, allowing it to cover the investigation costs. This arrangement still needs to be approved by the Nevada Gaming Commission before it can be enacted.

Earlier this year, Sibella pleaded guilty to having violated the Bank Secrecy Act and admitted to writing a transaction report after each time Nix played. He was sentenced in May to one year’s probation, alongside a $9,500 fine.

The Resorts World Scandal Continues

As mentioned, Sibella was accused of committing similar violations during his time at Resorts World. The property has been embroiled in a number of scandals, including the one involving the prominent South California bookmaker Matthew Bowyer.  

Bowyer’s name became infamous during the recent betting scandal involving Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter Ipper Mizuhara. The latter, who served as a confidant to the athlete, abused his position to steal and wager millions of dollars via Bowyer’s scheme.

Mizuhara is believed to have laundered the stolen money at Resorts World before handing it to Bowyer. The latter man is set to be sentenced early in 2025.

Resorts World, on the other hand, was given until December 9 to respond to the AML allegations. This relates to a complaint from August, which highlighted the property’s AML vulnerabilities. Although Resorts World was set to respond earlier, it formally asked the NGCB to extend the deadline.

The investigation could have serious consequences for Resorts World Las Vegas, which could possibly lose its license or at least get placed under regulatory supervision.