MGM Settles for $8.5M in Sibella-Related Laundering Scandal

On Thursday, MGM Resorts International agreed to pay $8.5 million to the Nevada Gaming Control Board in a settlement for a recent money-laundering complaint that involved former MGM Grand president and CEO Scott Sibella. 

More On What Happened

On Thursday, the Nevada Gaming Control Board filed a 10-page complaint regarding Sibella, which included his allowing illegal bookmakers to gamble and pay off debts with unreported cash. These events occurred at the MGM Grand and Cosmopolitan in 2018.

This was considered a violation of the Bank Secrecy Act. 

In all, nine of 10 counts included illegal gambling by former minor-league baseball player and illegal bookmaker Wayne Nix. The 10th was related to another illegal bookmaker, Matthew Boyer.

“The complaint’s allegations center on the actions and failures of [MGM Resorts’] employees in relation to Mr. Nix and Mr. Boyer, as well as deficiencies within [MGM Resorts’] anti-money laundering program,” NGCB chair Kirk Hendrick said in a press release. “The proposed settlement also details numerous remedial measures implemented at [MGM Resorts] and its subsidiary gaming properties.

“The majority of the conditions and recommendations focus on enhancements to [MGM Resorts’s anti-money laundering program] as well as additional training and awareness of [anti-money laundering] requirements.”

Federal Prosecution Settlement and Resorts Fine

Last year, MGM Resorts agreed to pay $7.45 million for the same violations to federal prosecutors. 

Also, last month, Resorts World agreed to pay $10.5 million in fines to the Nevada Gaming Control Board due to gambling by Boyer and Damien LeForbes (another illegal bookie). This also occurred during Sibella’s tenure in 2022 and 2023. 

In September 2023, Resorts World fired Sibella. In December, he was stripped of his gaming license for five years. He pleaded guilty to violating the Bank Secrecy Act, avoiding prison, and was sentenced to one year's probation and a fine of $9,500. 

“We’ve taken additional steps to strengthen safeguards, increase accountability, and reaffirm our commitment to doing what’s right for regulators, guests, and stakeholders,” MGM said.