Former top executive of major Las Vegas casinos, Scott Sibella, appeared in front of a federal judge after admitting to allowing an illegal bookmaker to gamble millions of dollars at the MGM Grand and paying off debts in cash. Sibella pleaded guilty to violating anti-money laundering rules and faces up to five years in prison. Following his guilty plea, the MGM Grand and Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas settled a related U.S. Justice Department money laundering probe by paying a combined $7.45 million and agreed to enhance their compliance programs.
Sibella’s attorneys are seeking leniency, requesting probation for him. Testimonial letters of support, including one from Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill, were submitted to the judge. The bookmaker involved in Sibella’s case, Wayne Nix, a former minor league baseball player, has also pleaded guilty to charges related to operating an illegal gambling business and filing a false tax return. Sibella allowed Nix to gamble at MGM Grand with illicit proceeds without notifying the compliance department.
Federal prosecutors revealed that Sibella was aware of Nix’s illegal gambling business but chose not to intervene due to his position. Sibella admitted to federal investigators that he did not inquire further because he did not want to know. He mentioned that as long as the gambler was not cheating the casino, he did not need to be involved. Sibella held top executive positions at The Mirage and Treasure Island casinos before becoming president of the MGM Grand in 2011. He later joined Resorts World Las Vegas, but was dismissed in September 2023 for violating company policies.
Ippei Mizuhara, former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, was involved in a scheme to transfer stolen money from the superstar to Resorts World Las Vegas to pay off debts to illegal bookmakers. Sibella is not implicated in this case but it is part of the broader federal investigation into sports gambling. Nevada casino regulators are considering revoking or suspending Sibella’s state gambling license and imposing fines of up to $750,000. A complaint filed by state Gaming Control Board investigators has yet to be considered by the Nevada Gaming Commission.
Sibella’s involvement with the illegal bookmaker has raised concerns among authorities and regulators. The case highlights the challenges faced by casinos in ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering regulations and preventing illegal activities on their premises. The settlement reached between the MGM Grand, Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, and the U.S. Justice Department demonstrates the seriousness of the issue and the need to strengthen compliance measures within the industry. Sibella’s sentencing will serve as a reminder of the consequences for failing to uphold the law in the high-stakes world of Las Vegas casinos.
