Former MGM Grand and Resorts World president Scott Sibella has had his gaming licensed revoked by Nevada regulators, effectively barring him from the Nevada casino industry for several years.
Sibella was fired as Resorts World Las Vegas president last year and was subsequently hit with federal charges regarding illegal gambling and money laundering. He was found guilty of failing to file reports of suspicious transactions after allowing illegal bookmaker Wayne Nix to use proceeds from an illegal gambling operation to gamble at the MGM Grand and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
He avoided prison time when he was sentenced to one year of probation and fined.
A settlement filed by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) and dated Dec. 10 that was signed by Sibella noted that the longtime former executive admitted to each and every charge laid in that three-count MGM Grand-related complaint against him. He has voluntarily agreed to the settlement and waived the right to a public hearing.
Sibella’s license as Resorts World Las Vegas president and his suitability as president and director of Genting Assets have been revoked, pending approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission. He has been placed on the list of denials, revocations and findings of unsuitability, which incurs a five-year ban from applying to re-enter Nevada’s gaming industry. The settlement notes that in light of Sibella’s cooperation, that will be backdated to Dec. 27, 2023, the date the plea agreement was filed.
The settlement’s terms will become effective immediately upon approval by the Commission, which is scheduled to meet on Dec. 19.
Settlement refers to both MGM matter and Resorts World violations
The settlement stipulates that while the terms cover the disciplinary matter relating to Sibella’s actions while president and COO of MGM Grand, it also “encompasses, and is intended to resolve,” any responsibility attributable to Sibella for his actions that violated the Nevada Gaming Control Act and the Commission’s regulations during his time at Resorts World Las Vegas.
In August, the NGCB filed a 12-count disciplinary complaint against the owners and operators of that casino for allegedly failing to comply with federal anti-money laundering laws by allowing known illegal bookmakers to gamble millions there for more than a year.
Resorts World’s response to the complaint was due to regulators on Dec. 9.
Sibella was not named in that complaint, but was in charge at the casino for much of the time period referred to in the complaint.
Resorts World unveils new leadership
Last week, Resorts World Las Vegas’ owner Genting announced overhauled leadership and governance of the Strip casino.
Jim Murren, the former CEO and chairman of MGM Resorts International, has begun his new position of chairman of a newly established board. Former Q Casino & Resort and Dubuque Racing Association CEO Alex Dixon will start work as the casino’s new CEO on Jan. 16.
The company said the appointments, as well as the formation of board, are “a key part” of its plan to deepen and strengthen its leadership, improve governance and accelerate its growth strategy. The casino suffered its worst financial quarter in two years in Q3 2024.
