The Nevada Gaming Control Board filed a three-count complaint against former casino executive Scott Sibella last week, four months after the ex-MGM Grand president pleaded guilty to federal violations of the Bank Secrecy Act in January.

Former MGM President Scott Sibella pleaded guilty to violating federal anti-money laundering compliance programs

The complaint was signed by all three control board members and addressed events that occurred in 2018, when Sibella was president of the MGM Grand Las Vegas. 

Sibella, 61, pleaded guilty to violating federal anti-money laundering compliance programs when he authorized MGM casino marketing representatives to allow Wayne Nix, an alleged illegal bookmaker and former minor league baseball pitcher, to gamble millions of dollars at the casino and pay off his debts in cash.

“Sibella failed to comply with MGM Resorts International’s anti-money laundering policy and failed to comply with MGM Grand’s internal controls that required Sibella to report suspicious activities regarding Nix,” the control board wrote in the complaint.

Furthermore, Sibella was reportedly aware of Nix’s gambling. However, he failed to notify the casino’s compliance department, federal prosecutors said.

According to investigators, Sibella also authorized complimentary benefits for Nix, including meals, golf trips, and rooms as well.

“Sibella knew that Nix was gambling at MGM Grand and its affiliates and transacting amounts over $5,000,” the complaint states. 

“Sibella deliberately avoided learning how Nix paid his marker, namely that Nix made a cash payment of over $5,000 to MGM Grand on or around July 27, 2018, in order to gamble at the casino.”

Nix pleaded guilty in April 2022 to one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and one count of subscribing to a false tax return, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. 

Nevada Gaming Control Board seeks to revoke Sibella’s gaming license 

Additionally, Sibella failed to file a report of suspicious transactions with the U.S. Treasury Department, the complaint alleges. He was fired last September as president of Resorts World Las Vegas. 

Sibella’s latest investigation comes almost a week before he is scheduled to be sentenced in California district court in connection with his role in an illegal bookmaking scheme. 

Las Vegas attorney John Spilotro, who represents Sibella, declined comment.

Sibella is scheduled to be sentenced on May 8 and faces a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 

The Nevada Gaming Control Board is also pushing for the revocation of Sibella’s gaming license.

Spilotro and prosecutors have asked that he receive a year of probation and a fine of nearly $10,000. 

MGM Grand and The Cosmopolitan were fined a combined $7.45 million after entering into settlements because of the failures of their anti-money laundering compliance programs. 

Resorts World Las Vegas is owned by Malaysia-based Genting Berhad, a conglomerate that operates Resorts World branded casinos throughout Asia and in New York.