Former Resorts World President Pleads Guilty To Money Laundering Charges

Scott Sibella

Scott Sibella, the former president and chief operating officer of Resorts World Las Vegas who also held previous positions at MGM Grand, The Mirage, Treasure Island, Tropicana, and the Golden Nugget. Is now being prosecuted over anti-money laundering charges when he became entangled in a web of illegal gambling and money laundering.

Sibella’s troubles began during his tenure as president of the MGM Grand in Las Vegas from 2010 to 2019. An investigation revealed that he allowed former minor league baseball player Wayne Nix to gamble at his casino in violation of anti-money laundering (AML) laws. Nix was operating an illegal sports-betting business, and Sibella’s friendship with him allowed the operation to flourish.

Wayne Nix’s illegal gambling ring had been in operation for almost two decades, employing former professional athletes as bookmakers. Shockingly, the ring’s clientele included active NFL and MLB players. Sibella’s close ties to Nix enabled him to expand his illicit sports wagering business.

Sibella’s downfall came when he was appointed as the president of Resorts World, a $4.3 billion venture owned by the Genting Group. Under his leadership, the incomplete resort was completed in just two years, integrating renowned brands such as Hilton, Conrad, and Crockfords.

In September 2023, Sibella’s world came crashing down when he informed Genting officials about an ongoing investigation by the Justice Department. Subsequently, Resorts World terminated his employment, citing violations of company policies and employment contract terms.

Following his termination, Sibella pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles to charges that could result in five years of imprisonment and $250,000 in fines. In his plea agreement, he admitted to providing Nix with hotel stays and covering the costs of golf trips with high-rollers from the MGM and senior executives of the company. These perks enabled Nix to attract new clients to his illegal gambling operation.

The Justice Department’s investigation also implicated the MGM Grand and the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas in the illegal activities. As a result, parent company MGM Resorts agreed to pay $7.5 million in fines. These fines further contributed to the growing tally of penalties within the gambling industry, which exceeded $15 million in just a month.

In a statement emailed to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Sibella expressed remorse for his actions and took full responsibility. However, he emphasized that he had not acted for personal gain. As the legal proceedings reach their conclusion, Sibella hopes to continue contributing his knowledge, skills, and insights to the gaming industry’s growth and professionalism.

Despite the stain on his reputation, Sibella’s story serves as a stark reminder of the dark side of the Las Vegas gaming industry. It highlights the ongoing battle against illegal gambling and money laundering, which threatens the integrity of this billion-dollar business.