Scott Sibella’s Career Ends as Nevada Gaming Commission Revokes Licence
Former MGM Grand executive Scott Sibella’s career in the gaming industry has officially concluded following the Nevada Gaming Commission’s (NGC) unanimous decision to revoke his licence.
The NGC’s ruling, finalising the investigative work by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB), comes amid a broader illegal bookmaking scandal. Sibella, who appeared via Zoom, acknowledged the symbolic nature of the punishment, stating he is “taking a massive hit” for Las Vegas casino executives.
At the centre of the controversy is a July 2018 incident when illegal bookmaker Wayne Nix paid a $120,000 casino marker in cash at the MGM Grand. Such a transaction should have triggered a suspicious activity report (SAR), but none was filed. Sibella, then president and COO of the MGM Grand, faced charges for failing to act, despite being aware of Nix’s illegal operations.
Fines and Fallout
The NGC imposed a $10,000 fine on Sibella and revoked his gaming licence. While technically eligible to appeal the decision in five years, his admission of guilt and legal troubles make a return to the industry unlikely.
Two casinos, MGM Grand and Cosmopolitan, paid $7.5 million combined in a non-prosecution agreement following the investigation. Nix, along with others implicated in the scandal, awaits sentencing in 2025.
In his defence, Sibella shifted much of the responsibility to MGM Resorts’ compliance practices. He claimed he was unaware of how to file compliance reports and was instructed to consult with superiors. “I was never given forms or instructions to report compliance issues directly,” he said.
A Broader Scandal
The scandal extends beyond Sibella’s tenure at MGM. As president and COO of Resorts World Las Vegas, Sibella was abruptly terminated in 2022 for “violating company policy.” Resorts World has since faced allegations of anti-money laundering violations involving illegal bookies like Mathew Bowyer, who reportedly laundered proceeds through the casino.
With a looming 9 December deadline, Resorts World has yet to publicly respond to a 12-count NGCB complaint. Leadership changes were announced on 6 December, appointing Alex Dixon as CEO and Jim Murren, Sibella’s former colleague at MGM, as chair of the board.
A Solemn End
Sibella expressed deep regret during the hearing. “Once I was celebrated, but now I’m a pariah,” he lamented, acknowledging the toll his actions have taken on his family and reputation.
As the industry navigates this high-profile scandal, the NGC’s decision serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of compliance and accountability within gaming operations.
