Ex-Resorts World Executive Sibella Sentenced to Year of Probation for AML Breaches

Scott Sibella, a former high-ranking casino executive, has been sentenced for his earlier anti-money laundering violations. This follows the former Resorts World chief operating officer and president’s January guilty plea.  

The violations in question occurred between August 2017 and February 2019. At the time, Sibella was still working at MGM Grand Las Vegas. According to his plea, Sibella failed to report suspicious transactions made by Wayne Nix, a former minor-league baseball athlete.

Sibella admitted that he didn’t know where Nix was taking his gambling money from. However, the former man was aware that the ex-baseball player was running an illegal sports betting operation. By opting not to report Nix’s transactions, Sibella effectively violated the federal Bank Secrecy Act.

Thanks to his cooperation, Sibella got off with a lenient sentence and was sentenced to one year’s probation and a fine of $9,500.

Sibella Got a Light Sentence, Confirming Earlier Reports

Sibella, who was sentenced by US District Judge Dolly M. Gee, could have been sentenced to up to five years in prison. He could have also been asked to pay a fine of up to $250,000 for his significant violations.

However, the Probation Office highlighted Sibella’s cooperation, saying that he accepted full responsibility for his actions. In its recommendation, the office also mentioned Sibella’s age of 61, which was another factor that mitigated his eventual sentence.

Nevada’s gambling regulators, however, are considering suspending Sibella’s state gambling license and slamming the man with a fine of up to $750,000 for his AML offenses. The Nevada Gaming Control Board lodged its formal complaint earlier this month, four months after the man pleaded guilty to his violations.

Sibella was ousted from his role as president of Resorts World Las Vegas last September.

Nix, on the other hand, is currently awaiting sentencing. The man pleaded guilty in April 2022, admitting that he operated illegal gambling and submitted falsified tax returns.