Key points:
- Sibella admitted to not filing a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) during his tenure at MGM Grand, citing reliance on corporate compliance processes
- His connection to Wayne Nix, a known illegal bookmaker, played a central role in the revocation
- The decision resolves all gaming-related regulatory issues tied to Sibella’s time at both MGM Grand and Resorts World Las Vegas
The Nevada Gaming Commission has revoked the gaming licence of Scott Sibella, the former President of Resorts World Las Vegas, after concluding that he failed to comply with mandatory anti-money laundering regulations.
The decision follows Sibella’s admission of failing to file a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) during his time as president of MGM Grand, a critical lapse in regulatory compliance.
Appearing virtually before the Commission, Sibella addressed his association with Wayne Nix, a known illegal bookmaker, who frequently gambled at MGM properties.
Sibella stated: “When I first met Mr Nix, he had already been well established at MGM Resorts for three years. I had no idea he was a bookmaker.”
Sibella stressed that Nix had been vetted by MGM’s compliance and credit departments and that he relied on their oversight. Sibella also denied receiving personal financial benefit from his interactions with Nix.
Sibella added: “I did not have an account with Mr Nix; I was not a customer; I did not procure customers for him and I did not authorise any comps that he did not otherwise earn.”
The allegations stem from Sibella’s time at MGM Grand but extend to his leadership at Resorts World. Federal prosecutors charged Sibella earlier this year with failing to report suspicious transactions. He ultimately pleaded guilty and was sentenced to probation and a fine of nearly $10,000.
Sibella acknowledged his error, stating: “I recognise now that my failure to file a SAR was a violation of law and have accepted responsibility for that.”
Good to know: The former executive was ousted from the property in 2023 amid federal investigations into his ties to Nix and alleged lapses in compliance
The Commission’s ruling includes a stipulated settlement with the Nevada Gaming Control Board, which covers any potential violations during Sibella’s time at Resorts World.
Sibella criticised what he described as disproportionate scrutiny, saying: “Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles wanted to send a message, loud and clear, that the failure by casinos and their executives to comply with anti-money laundering laws would not be tolerated.”
The revocation marks the conclusion of regulatory and legal challenges tied to Sibella’s career in the gaming industry. This follows an October federal court ruling that dismissed a separate civil lawsuit involving Sibella and Resorts World due to insufficient evidence.
