Scott Sibella, former president of Resorts World and MGM Grand, has surrendered his gaming license and accepted a five-year ban from Nevada's gaming industry following an agreement with the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB).

The settlement resolves a three-count complaint filed by NGCB in April, which alleged Sibella allowed Wayne Nix, a former minor-league baseball player known to operate an illegal sports-betting business, to gamble millions at MGM Grand between August 2017 and February 2019.

In January 2024, Sibella pleaded guilty in federal court to violating the Bank Secrecy Act by failing to file required suspicious transaction reports for Nix's wagering activities. He received one year's probation and a $9,500 fine.

The current settlement includes:

• Surrender of gaming license
• Five-year industry ban
• $10,000 fine to cover NGCB investigation costs

While the original complaint focused on MGM Grand incidents, the settlement covers potential violations during Sibella's leadership at Resorts World. The casino is currently facing a separate 12-count disciplinary complaint from NGCB for alleged anti-money laundering violations.

Resorts World has been connected to several gambling scandals since its 2021 opening, including cases involving bookmakers Edwin Ting, Chad Iwamoto, and Mathew Bowyer. Notably, Bowyer was involved in the Shohei Ohtani case, where interpreter Ippei Mizuhara allegedly stole $16 million to pay gambling debts. Bowyer's sentencing is scheduled for February 7, 2025.

The settlement awaits final approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission.

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