Las Vegas Casino Exec Scott Sibella Given Probation in Money Laundering Case

Article by : Erik Gibbs May 14, 2024

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Scott Sibella, a former high-ranking executive in the Las Vegas casino industry, has been sentenced to a year of probation for his involvement in allowing an illegal bookmaker to gamble millions of dollars at the MGM Grand and settle debts with cash payments.

The sentence, handed down by the US District Judge Dolly Gee, also included a $9,500 fine and a $100 special assessment.

In January, Sibella pleaded guilty to violating federal anti-money laundering regulations. Despite the severity of the offense, Judge Gee opted against imprisonment, citing Sibella’s cooperation with investigators and lack of prior criminal history.

Before his sentencing, Sibella expressed remorse, apologizing to his family, friends, and former employers, and pledging to avoid future legal entanglements.

Sibella’s attorneys argued for probation, submitting over 80 letters of support, including one from Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill. However, the fallout extended beyond Sibella personally.

The MGM Grand and the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas settled a related case, agreeing to pay a combined $7.45 million, undergo external reviews, and bolster their anti-money laundering compliance measures.

Nevada casino regulators are contemplating punitive actions against Sibella, including the potential revocation or suspension of his state gambling license and fines of up to $750,000.

These measures hinge on a complaint filed by state Gaming Control Board investigators.

Central to Sibella’s case is the involvement of Wayne Nix, a bookmaker awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to operating an illegal gambling enterprise and filing a false tax return.

Sibella allowed Nix to gamble at MGM Grand properties using proceeds from illicit activities without notifying the casino’s compliance department. Despite acknowledging his awareness of Nix’s illicit activities, Sibella claimed he intentionally remained uninformed due to his position, denying any knowledge of casino cheating.

In a statement following his sentencing, Sibella accepted full responsibility for his actions, asserting that he derived no personal, professional, or financial gain from the crime.

Sibella’s career trajectory, which included executive roles at The Mirage, Treasure Island, MGM Grand, and Resorts World Las Vegas until his dismissal in September 2023, highlights the gravity of his involvement.

This incident sheds light on the ongoing investigation by the Justice Department into illegal sports gambling operations in Southern California, allegedly laundering money through Las Vegas casinos.

Notably, Ippei Mizuhara, former interpreter to Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, is implicated in transferring stolen funds to settle debts with illegal bookmakers.