Vegas Heavyweight Scott Sibella to Lose Gaming License amid Scandals
Scott Sibella, a former executive at Nevada's MGM Grand and Resorts World, is set to lose his gaming license following a series of gambling and betting scandals. He is still also facing a fine for his involvement
Scott Sibella in a file photo while leading Resorts World Las Vegas. (Source: Resorts World Las Vegas)
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) announced on December 13 that a tentative agreement had been reached, which will place Sibella on the state's list of denials, revocations, and findings of unsuitability. His gaming license will be revoked for five years, retroactive to December 2023, and he will be fined $10,000.
The case against Sibella stems from his guilty plea in January 2023 to charges of failing to file a suspicious activity report while he was employed at MGM Grand. This charge is tied to his involvement with an illegal sports betting operation, where Sibella admitted to extending credit to Wayne Nix, an individual he was aware was running an unlawful sportsbook. Sibella acknowledged in court documents that he had heard about Nix's activities but chose not to act, stating that he avoided confirming the information due to his position in the gaming industry.
Sibella was sentenced in May 2023 in US District Court, receiving one year of probation and being ordered to pay $9,600 in fines and fees. During his sentencing, he took full responsibility for his actions, admitting that his unwillingness to confront the allegations against Nix ultimately contributed to his downfall. He also stated that he avoided looking into the matter further, rationalizing that as long as no direct harm was being done to the casino, he had no reason to intervene.
Several other individuals involved in the broader illegal sports betting operation are awaiting sentencing in related cases. Nix is scheduled for sentencing on March 26, 2025. Matthew Bowyer, another key figure in the operation with up to 700 active customers, is set for sentencing on February 7, 2025.
Additionally, Ippei Mizuhara, who gambled within the illegal operation and was involved in stealing $17 million from baseball star Shohei Ohtani, will face sentencing on January 24, 2025. All three have pleaded guilty and are expected to face prison time and substantial fines. The cases are closely linked, with Nix and Bowyer collaborating on the illegal sportsbook and Mizuhara placing bets through Bowyer's operation.
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Sibella’s Gaming Career in Jeopardy
Sibella's career in the gambling industry has been significantly impacted by these events. His actions at MGM Grand and the subsequent fallout led to his dismissal from Resorts World in September 2023.
The NGCB has since filed a formal complaint against Resorts World, listing 12 violations related to anti-money laundering procedures and its connections to the illegal sports betting scandal. While Resorts World was required to respond by December 9, its official response has not yet been made public. The NGCB has not filed any complaints or announced violations against MGM Grand in connection to the same investigation.
The revocation of Sibella's license and his inclusion on the NGCB's unsuitability list marks a significant end to his career in Nevada's gaming industry. This designation may also impact his ability to work in other jurisdictions, as many gaming regulators require licenses to be in good standing across all regions.
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