After decades in the gaming industry, Scott Sibella’s career comes to a close, but not without controversy. The Nevada Gaming Commission has officially revoked his license, as a scandal involving illegal wagering continues to unfold.
Scott Sibella, once a prominent figure in the Las Vegas gaming scene, saw his career abruptly ended when the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) approved the revocation of his gaming license. This decision came after Sibella’s involvement in a far-reaching illegal wagering scandal that left a significant mark on the industry. Sibella, who had served as president of the MGM Grand and later as president of Resorts World Las Vegas, argued that the punishment was not just for his own wrongdoings but for the entire gambling sector.
Sibella’s exit was a somber affair, with him joining the meeting via Zoom from his parole location. The NGC’s unanimous decision to revoke his license was largely expected, as much of the groundwork had already been laid by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB). What followed was a brief, but poignant, discussion where Sibella’s own words took center stage.
Sibella Calls Himself an “Easy Target”
In his statement, Sibella attempted to shift some of the blame to the wider gaming industry, suggesting that he had been made an example of by federal authorities. He likened his fate to that of a scapegoat, asserting that his high-profile position made him an obvious target for regulators.
“It’s symbolic,” he said. “I’m taking a massive hit for casino executives across Las Vegas.” His comment echoed his belief that the case was part of a larger effort to set an example, sending a clear message to the industry.
Sibella went on to argue that the real responsibility lay with MGM Resorts and its compliance teams, not with him directly. He pointed out that, to his knowledge, no hotel president had ever been responsible for filing a suspicious activity report (SAR) in relation to gambling activity. The responsibility, he claimed, was always delegated to the compliance department, a department he asserted he had limited interaction with.
The Root of the Scandal: Wayne Nix and the $120,000 Marker
The scandal that led to Sibella’s downfall dates back to a specific incident in 2018. At the time, Sibella was serving as president of MGM Grand, when Wayne Nix, a known illegal bookmaker, paid a $120,000 marker at the casino in cash. This type of transaction should have immediately raised red flags, prompting a SAR, but Sibella admitted he failed to file one.
The failure to report the marker ultimately led to his legal troubles. In May 2023, he was sentenced to a year of probation and fined $9,600 by California federal courts for his role in turning a blind eye to Nix’s illegal activities. His statement before the NGC painted a picture of a man who felt caught between a rock and a hard place, with little room to maneuver.
Sibella clarified, however, that he had never been personally involved in Nix’s bookmaking operations and had not knowingly facilitated illegal activities. He denied having an account with Nix, stating that he had not procured customers for him, nor did he authorize any special treatment for Nix outside the casino’s standard procedures.
Legal Fallout: MGM Resorts and Resorts World
While Sibella has faced the brunt of the fallout from this scandal, other major players in the industry have also been penalized. MGM Resorts, where Sibella worked at the time, paid a hefty $7.5 million fine in a non-prosecution agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice. However, no criminal charges were filed against the company or its executives.
Sibella’s firing from Resorts World Las Vegas in 2023 was another significant blow to his career. After his tenure at MGM, Sibella had moved on to Resorts World, but his involvement in the illegal gambling scandal continued to haunt him. The casino has since come under scrutiny for violations related to money laundering and its connection to illegal bookmakers. Sibella’s departure from Resorts World was framed as a violation of company policy, yet the investigation into the casino’s operations has deepened.
The casino has also been linked to another illegal bookie, Mathew Bowyer, who had laundered illicit proceeds through Resorts World. Bowyer had over 700 clients in his illegal gambling operation, and some of his activities involved former baseball interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, who was convicted of stealing millions from MLB star Shohei Ohtani.
A Final Blow to Sibella’s Legacy
In a final, emotional statement, Sibella reflected on the toll the scandal had taken on his personal and professional life. He described how the fallout from the investigation had left him ostracized from his peers. Once celebrated for his contributions to the Las Vegas gaming industry, Sibella now finds himself a pariah, with few casino executives reaching out to offer support.
“I’ve spent my entire career dedicated to the gaming industry and the betterment of Las Vegas,” he said. “Now, I’m leaving the industry I love with a heavy heart.”
Before the commission cast its vote, commissioner George Markantonis offered a somber rebuke of Sibella’s colleagues, stating, “Quite frankly, they let you down, sir.” The words seemed to capture the broader sentiment surrounding Sibella’s downfall—a fall from grace not just for one man, but for an entire segment of the industry.
Resorts World in Hot Water: What’s Next?
Even though Sibella has been ousted from the gaming industry, Resorts World Las Vegas continues to face legal challenges. The NGCB has filed a 12-count complaint against the casino, and the casino was given a December deadline to respond.
On December 6, Resorts World made headlines by announcing significant leadership changes, including the appointment of Alex Dixon as CEO and Jim Murren as chairman of the board. Murren, the former CEO of MGM Resorts, had worked alongside Sibella during his time at the company and was reportedly aware of the illegal gambling allegations as early as 2019. Despite these changes, the casino is still under investigation for its involvement in the broader scandal.
As the legal proceedings continue, the saga of Sibella, Resorts World, and the illegal gambling world continues to unfold, leaving the future of Las Vegas’ gaming industry hanging in the balance.
