Former MGM and Genting Executive Scott Sibella Faces Possible Gambling License Revocation in Betting Controversy
Scott Sibella, who previously served as Resorts World Las Vegas and MGM Grand president, is now facing a formal complaint from the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB). The three-count accusation filed on Tuesday claims that Sibella enabled the operations of illegal bookies by permitting them to gamble large sums at MGM Grand without inquiring about their income sources.
Sibella was dismissed by Resorts World in September 2023 for violating company guidelines and later admitted to infringing the Bank Secrecy Act in January, pleading guilty to a federal charge relating to this situation. He is slated to be sentenced soon.
The NGCB previously dropped the ball with the Sibella investigation when they received information about his connections to bookies, but concluded that the allegations were "unsubstantiated."
Extended Probe
In an effort to rectify their past miss, the NGCB has joined an extensive federal investigation into the potential laundering of illegal bookmaking yields in Las Vegas casinos. This has now encompassed Matt Bowyer, who received $16 million from the bank account of Shohei Ohtani, a Dodgers star; the money was allegedly obtained illicitly by Ohtani's interpreter, Ippei Mishura.
The complication formerly known as Sibella is accused in the initial count of not filing a suspicious transaction report (STR) in 2018. He admitted to federal agents he disregarded the money's source in order to prevent Nix from gambling, knowing this would be necessary.
In the second claim, Sibella is accused of permitting Nix to keep wagering at the casino despite knowing his wealth came from illicit bookmaking ventures. Thirdly, he is charged with breaching MGM Resorts' anti-money laundering protocols by committing the initial two actions. The accusation could lead to Sibella losing his gaming license and a fine of up to $750K.
Nix, a former minor league baseball pitcher, provided illicit bookmaking to professional players of various sports. He has admitted to illegal gambling charges and is eagerly awaiting sentencing.
"Undercover Weekends" Hosted by Sibella
Sibella supposedly hosted "Scott Sibella Undercover Weekends" at MGM Grand, exclusive gatherings for VIP gamblers because of a 2011 incident on Undercover Boss. Both Nix and Bowyer were attendees at these gatherings as Sibella's guests, as per the complaint.
Nix also received complimentary golf excursions with high-ranking MGM Grand executives, these trips aiming to maintain his gambling habit at the casino.
Money Flowed Through Casinos from Ohtani
An ESPN investigation, unveiled on Tuesday, revealed that money wired from Ohtani's bank account passed through Las Vegas and California casinos, including Resorts World.
Insiders informed ESPN that Mizhura relayed the funds to an associate of Bowyer, who would further disperse them into marker accounts at Resorts World and Northern California's Pechanga Casino. The individuals then withdrew the funds in chips, gambled with them, and cash out what remained.
Bowyer is believed to have lost $7.9 million at Resorts World from June 2022 to October 2023 according to ESPN's sources.
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Source: www.casino.org
