Scott Sibella, the ex-president and chief operating officer of Resorts World Las Vegas, entered a guilty plea in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on Wednesday to accusations that may result in a five-year prison sentence and a $250K fine. 

The accusations arise from Sibella's presidency at the MGM Grand during 2010-19. At that time, as per his plea deal, he permitted ex-minor league baseball player Wayne Nix — someone Sibella recognized as running an unlawful sports-betting operation — to place bets at his casino, breaching anti-money-laundering regulations.

"I am pleased to have this investigation and its findings reaching a conclusion,” Sibella said in a statement emailed to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “I take full responsibility for my actions and inactions, but I must make clear I took no action for my personal benefit or inurement.”

The MGM Grand and the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas, a resort acquired by MGM Resorts in 2022, have also consented to pay $7.5M in penalties for Nix’s unlawful actions. 

Nix's operation lasted nearly twenty years, utilizing ex-professional athletes as bookmakers and having clients that included current NFL and MLB players. Prosecutors stated that Sibella's connection with Nix enabled him to expand the illicit enterprise. 

As per his plea deal, Sibella provided Nix with complimentary hotel accommodations and golfing outings with high rollers and top MGM Grand executives from August 2017 to February 2019. Throughout these journeys, Nix brought in new sports wagerers. 

In 2022, Nix admitted guilt to conspiring to run an unlawful gambling operation and submitting a fraudulent tax return. He is set to be sentenced on March 6, facing a potential prison term of up to eight years. 

Is Gaming Finished? 

In spite of the challenges he encounters, Sibella wrapped up his email to the R-J by expressing his wish to stay in the casino sector.

"As this process comes to a conclusion, I look forward to continuing to provide my knowledge, skills and insights to support the continued growth, evolution, and professionalism of the gaming industry,” he wrote.

In 2019, the Genting Group, which owns Resorts World, appointed Sibella as the president of the property. He guided the incomplete $4.3 billion initiative to fruition two years later, incorporating the Hilton, Conrad, and Crockfords brands — along with their extensive databases — during the journey. 

Sibella stated that he was dismissed in September 2023, just three days after notifying Genting officials regarding the Justice Department’s inquiry. Resorts World stated that he “breached company policies and his employment terms.” 

Prior to leading the MGM Grand, Sibella was also the president of The Mirage. Prior to that, he held an executive position at Treasure Island, Tropicana, and the Golden Nugget.