Former president and chief operating officer of Resorts World Las Vegas, Scott Sibella, has pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles to charges that could result in 5 years of jail time and $250,000 in fines.
The charges are related to Sibella’s term as president of the MGM Grand in Las Vegas from 2010-19. An investigation revealed that during that time Sibella allowed former minor league baseball player Wayne Nix to gamble at his casino in violation of anti-money-laundering (AML) laws. It was also discovered that at the time of the illegal activities Sibella knew that Nix was operating an illegal sports-betting business.
Nix’s illegal gambling ring operated for almost twenty years and employed former pro athletes as bookmakers. The ring was also said to have clients including active NFL and MLB players. Prosecutors said that Sibella’s friendship with Nix allowed him to grow his illegal sports wagering business.
In his now released plea agreement, Sibella stated that he provided Nix with hotel stays and covered the cost of golf trips with high-rollers from the MGM and senior executives of the company. This allowed Nix to find new clients.
Previously in 2022, Nix admitted to participating in a conspiracy to run an unlawful gambling operation and to submitting an inaccurate tax return. With a potential prison sentence of up to eight years, his sentencing is set for March 6th.
Resorts World Sacking
In 2019, Genting Group, the owner of Resorts World, appointed Sibella as the president of the resort. Under his guidance, the incomplete $4.3 billion venture was finished in two years. During this time he successfully integrated the Hilton, Conrad, and Crockfords brands into the group.
Sibella announced that he was fired in September 2023, after informing Genting officials about an investigation by the Justice Department. Resorts World, at that time, stated his termination was due to the violation of company policies and his employment contract terms.
Prior to his role at Resorts World, Sibella the presidency at the MGM Grand and The Mirage. He also held executive positions at Treasure Island, Tropicana, and the Golden Nugget.
Sibella Statement
Sibella said in a statement emailed to the Las Vegas Review-Journal:
“I am pleased to have this investigation and its findings reaching a conclusion. I take full responsibility for my actions and inactions, but I must make clear I took no action for my personal benefit or inurement.
As this process comes to a conclusion, I look forward to continuing to provide my knowledge, skills and insights to support the continued growth, evolution and professionalism of the gaming industry.”
MGM Hit with Fine
The justice department’s investigation also looked into the part that both the MGM Grand and the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas took in the illegal activity. As such, parent company MGM Resorts has agreed to pay $7.5 million in fines in connection with Nix’s illegal activities.
In less than a month, gambling industry fines for 2024 now total more than $15 million. In 2023, financial penalties for the year grew by 42.3% year-on-year to a record-breaking $442.6 million (€402 million/£347.7 million).
Olivia has worked as an editor and writer for major brands across multiple niches. She now focuses on the iGaming and sports betting industries.