Facing jail time
Scott Sibella, the former President and Chief Operating Officer of Resorts World Las Vegas, is facing five years in prison after pleading guilty to federal charges. The ex-casino exec admitted that he permitted the violation of anti-money laundering (AML) laws, a confession that could also land him $250,000 in fines.
allowed former minor league baseball player Wayne Nix to gamble at the casino
The charges relate to Sibella’s stint as President of the MGM Grand between 2010 and 2019. It was during this time that the exec allowed former minor league baseball player Wayne Nix to gamble at the casino in violation of AML laws. Sibella knew that Nix operated an illegal gambling business at the time.
The MGM Grand and the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas will also pay $7.5m in fines in relation to Nix’s gambling.
All about Nix
The case revolves around Wayne Nix, the ex-Oakland A’s pitcher who pled guilty to running an illegal California sports betting racket in 2022. Along with his business partner Edon Kagasoff, Nix attracted a client base of ex-professional athletes for his gambling ring in the early 2000s, running the operation for nearly two decades.
Nix hired three unnamed MLB players to help with the operation and would hire people as agents to recruit customers. Customers would place bets on the operation’s website and agents would pay out any winnings or collect losses.
It was during this time that Sibella allowed Nix to gamble at the MGM Grand, despite knowing about the betting racket. Not only that, Sibella comped Nix hotel stays and golf trips with high-rollers from 2017 to 2019 – trips on which he recruited new bettors for his gambling ring.
Remaining in the industry
Sibella lost his job at Resorts World in September last year. His termination came weeks after the Nevada Current revealed an investigation by federal crime agencies.
The former exec – who served as President of Resorts World from 2019 – has now released a statement claiming he is “pleased” that the investigation has reached its conclusion. He added: “I take full responsibility for my actions and inactions, but I must make clear I took no action for my personal benefit or inurement.”
he wants to remain in the gambling industry
Sibella said that he wants to remain in the gambling industry, providing his “knowledge, skills and insights to support the continued growth, evolution and professionalism” of the sector.
Peter LaVoie took over as Resorts World President after Sibella’s exit. He previously served as the company’s CFO and has more than 20 years experience in the industry, including various financial positions at MGM.