A former Las Vegas casino executive has been sentenced by a federal judge after pleading guilty to violating the Bank Secrecy Act for fostering an illegal gambling operation.
U.S. District Court Judge Dolly Gee has sentenced former MGM Grand and Resorts World president Scott Sibella to one year of probation for failing to file reports of suspicious transactions after allowing illegal bookmaker Wayne Nix use proceeds from an illegal gambling operation to gamble at the MGM Grand and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Sibella has also been ordered to pay a $9,500 fine and a $100 special assessment.
He was facing up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
“I’m relieved to have this matter concluded and accept the terms imposed today by the court,” said Sibella in a statement following his sentencing. “As I have said throughout this investigation, I regret the pain this has caused my friends and family and am extremely grateful for those who chose to stand with me throughout these difficult times.”
Sibella, who was fired from Resorts World in September 2023 for violating the company’s policies, allowed Nix to gamble at MGM Grand using illegal bookmaker funds with transactions reaching more than $5,000. In 2018, Nix made a $120,000 cash payment to MGM Grand to settle a marker account owned by the casino. Sibella had a duty to report the transaction by submitting a Suspicious Activity Incident Report. He also had the responsibility of reporting Nix as an illegal bookie but took no action despite his training.
Under Sibella’s leadership, Nix also received benefits at MGM Grand and its affiliated properties for nearly two years, including comped meals, golf trips, and resort stays.
As a result, The Cosmopolitan and the MGM Grand reached a $7.5 million settlement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Central District of California for money laundering violations. Nix, a former minor league baseball player, has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal sports gambling business for his role in the scheme.
Nix is set for sentencing on Sept. 25 in a California District Court following delays.
