A former top executive for major Las Vegas casinos, Scott Sibella, has pleaded guilty to violating federal anti-money laundering rules. This admission came after he allowed an illegal bookmaker, Wayne Nix, to gamble millions of dollars at the MGM Grand and pay off debts in cash. Sibella faces a potential sentence of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for his actions.
Following Sibella's guilty plea, the MGM Grand and the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas settled a related U.S. Justice Department money laundering probe by agreeing to pay a combined $7.45 million. Additionally, they committed to undergoing an external review and enhancing their compliance programs to prevent such incidents in the future.
Sibella's attorneys are seeking leniency and probation for their client. They have submitted testimonial letters of support, including one from Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill, to U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee in Los Angeles.
Wayne Nix, the bookmaker central to the case, is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to operating an illegal gambling business and filing a false tax return. Sibella allowed Nix to gamble at MGM Grand properties with illicit proceeds without notifying the casinos' compliance department.
Sibella, who held executive positions at various Las Vegas casinos, including the MGM Grand and Resorts World Las Vegas, was dismissed by Resorts World in September 2023 for violating company policies and the terms of his employment.
Separately, Nevada casino regulators are considering revoking or suspending Sibella's state gambling license and imposing fines of up to $750,000. A complaint filed by state Gaming Control Board investigators is pending review by the Nevada Gaming Commission.
The broader federal investigation into sports gambling also involves Sibella, although he is not implicated in a case where Ippei Mizuhara, former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, transferred stolen money to Resorts World to settle debts with illegal bookmakers.
