The Nevada Gaming Control Board recently issued a formal complaint against Scott Sibella, a prior high-ranking officer in the casino sector. This complaint comes four months after Sibella pled guilty to violating anti-money laundering laws and further amplifies the existing saga of regulatory evaluation.
Former Resorts World Las Vegas President faces increasing Legal Challenges
Sibella, ousted from his role as president of Resorts World Las Vegas last September after inaugurating the lavish $4.3 billion property, now braves potential sanctions and penalties as revealed by The Nevada Independent following the lodged complaint. The grievance by the Nevada Gaming Control Board focuses on incidents from 2018, during Sibella’s leadership at the MGM Grand Las Vegas.
This year, Sibella admitted to breaching federal anti-money laundering regulations by allowing Wayne Nix, a suspected unlawful bookmaker, to take part in significant gambling activities at the MGM Grand. Accordingly, the complaint alleges that Sibella failed to respect MGM Resorts International’s anti-money laundering procedures, neglecting to report Nix’s questionable transactions, which included sizeable gambling debts resolved in cash.
Significantly, this fresh complaint follows a multitude of inquiries into Sibella’s performance and the operations at Resorts World. The Board’s decision to initiate formal action signifies the seriousness of the matter, particularly with the casino’s notable connection to a restaurant partially owned by a convicted criminal, an issue previously spotlighted by regulators.
Resorts World Las Vegas and Former President Sibella rocked by Legal Actions and Inquiries
Sibella’s legal representatives sought dismissal, contending that Cipriani’s allegations are baseless and fueled by personal interests. Despite Cipriani seeking both compensatory and punitive damages, Resorts World’s lawyer countered by labelling the claims as groundless.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board initiated an investigation into Resorts World Las Vegas in April 2022, following the accusations by gambler Brandon Sattler against Scott Sibella, the company’s president. Sattler, claiming to be an erstwhile acquaintance of Sibella, brought up past drug-related issues and Sibella’s association with a convicted criminal who partially owned a restaurant in the resort.
Sibella’s judgment hearing is scheduled for May 8, where he could potentially face a maximum prison sentence of five years. Nevertheless, speculation suggests that Sibella may be granted a one-year probation period accompanied by a fine instead.
