By BBBB
In a significant legal development, Scott Sibella, a former executive for major Las Vegas casinos, was sentenced to one year of probation after admitting to enabling an illegal bookmaker to gamble millions at MGM Grand. The sentencing took place in a federal court session presided over by U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee.
Details of the Sentencing
Scott Sibella, who pleaded guilty in January to violating federal anti-money laundering regulations, was also ordered by Judge Dolly Gee to pay a $9,500 fine along with a $100 special assessment. Despite facing a potential five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, Sibella’s cooperation with investigators and lack of prior criminal history influenced the decision for a lighter sentence.
Background and Legal Implications
Sibella’s charges stemmed from his failure to report suspicious transactions involving Wayne Nix, a former minor league baseball player turned bookmaker. Nix, who is currently awaiting sentencing, operated an illegal gambling business and funneled illicit proceeds through the MGM Grand without the necessary reports to the casino’s compliance department.
According to federal investigators, Sibella admitted to knowing of Nix’s activities but chose to ignore them due to his role within the casino. “I didn’t want to know because of my position,” Sibella stated, indicating a deliberate avoidance of implicating knowledge that could bar Nix from gambling at the casino.
Additional Regulatory Actions
The Nevada casino regulators are now considering severe actions against Sibella, including possibly revoking or suspending his state gambling license and imposing a fine up to $750,000. These considerations follow a complaint filed by state Gaming Control Board investigators.
“Mr. Sibella’s willful violation of Bank Secrecy Act obligations to report suspicious activities put the credibility of the MGM Grand at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher, IRS Criminal Investigation, L.A Field Office. “The BSA mandates reporting of suspicious activities to protect financial institutions from becoming participants in money laundering activities often benefitting criminal or terrorist organizations. While president of MGM Grand, Mr. Sibella undermined the trust and confidence of his employees, customers and regulating agencies, and for that he will be held accountable. Additionally, the non-prosecution agreements with MGM Grand Hotel, LLC and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas should serve as notice to other casinos and financial institutions that evading BSA obligations can carry severe consequences, and we will investigate suspected non-compliance.”
Career and Consequences
Scott Sibella was a prominent figure in the Las Vegas casino industry, having held executive roles at The Mirage, Treasure Island, and MGM Grand, where he served as president and COO for eight years. His tenure at Resorts World Las Vegas ended in September 2023 following a dismissal for policy violations and breach of employment terms.
Broader Investigations
This case is part of a broader investigation by the Justice Department into illegal sports gambling operations and money laundering activities involving Las Vegas casinos. This includes the high-profile case of Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, implicated in a scheme to pay off debts to illegal bookmakers using stolen money.
Sibella’s sentencing marks a cautionary tale for compliance and integrity within the gambling industry, emphasizing the legal and ethical obligations of casino executives to report and prevent illegal activities.
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