Former Resorts World & MGM Grand President Stripped of Gaming License
In a stunning turn of events, Scott Sibella, the former president of Resorts World and MGM Grand, has lost his gaming license following a unanimous vote of 3-0 by the Nevada Gaming Commission. This decision comes after the Nevada Gaming Control Board approved a settlement on December 10, marking a significant chapter in Sibella’s downfall.
The Nevada Gaming Commission’s ruling stems from a three-count complaint filed by the NGCB in April, accusing Sibella of enabling Wayne Nix, a former minor-league baseball player, to run an illegal sports-betting business at the MGM Grand from 2017 to 2019. Sibella’s failure to report suspicious transactions involving Nix ultimately led to his guilty plea in federal court for violating the Bank Secrecy Act in January 2024.
As part of the settlement, Sibella will pay a $10,000 fine to cover the costs of the NGCB’s investigation, in addition to serving one year of probation and paying a $9,500 fine following his guilty plea. While the agreement shields Sibella from more severe consequences like a lifetime ban, it raises doubts about his future prospects in the gaming industry.
A Resorts World of Trouble
Despite the complaint focusing on his time at the MGM Grand, Sibella’s settlement also extends to potential violations during his leadership at Resorts World. The Genting Berhad-owned casino is currently embroiled in a separate 12-count complaint from the NGCB for failing to comply with anti-money laundering laws.
Since its opening in 2021, Resorts World has been plagued by gambling scandals, with high-profile figures like sports bookmakers Edwin Ting, Chad Iwamoto, and Mathew Bowyer making headlines for their illicit activities. Bowyer, in particular, made waves for laundering money through various accounts and orchestrating an illegal gambling ring that defrauded LA Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter.
As the gaming industry grapples with these revelations, the fate of Resorts World and its tainted legacy hangs in the balance. With ongoing investigations and legal proceedings, the repercussions of Sibella’s actions continue to reverberate throughout the casino landscape, serving as a cautionary tale of power, corruption, and the high stakes of the gambling world.
