Ex-MGM Exec Sibella Faces Nevada Gaming License Revocation

Scott Sibella, a former MGM Grand and Resorts World executive, has had his Nevada gaming license revoked after admitting wrongdoing.

Sibella’s ties to a far-reaching illegal sports betting ring involving major figures in the industry have led to significant fallout.

The revocation reflects a zero-tolerance stance from the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) as it enforces compliance in the gaming industry.

Explore the details of this high-profile case and its implications for Nevada’s tightly regulated gambling sector.

Former MGM Grand Executive Scott Sibella Loses Nevada Gaming License Over Betting Scandal

Key Points

1. Nevada Gaming License Revoked: Scott Sibella’s license is revoked for failing to report suspicious activity tied to an illegal betting ring.
2. Far-Reaching Scandal: The case involves Wayne Nix, Mathew Bowyer, and Ippei Mizuhara, all tied to illegal sports betting operations.
3. Regulatory Impact: Resorts World faces regulatory scrutiny, while MGM Grand has yet to receive official disciplinary action.

Scott Sibella Loses Nevada Gaming License After Ties to Illegal Sports Betting

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has officially revoked the gaming license of Scott Sibella, a former executive at MGM Grand and Resorts World. The decision follows Sibella’s guilty plea earlier this year for failing to file a suspicious activity report while employed at MGM Grand.

The revocation marks a significant turning point in a case linked to a major illegal sports betting ring, which has already implicated multiple high-profile individuals.

The Betting Scandal Unfolded

Sibella’s license revocation stems from his ties to Wayne Nix, who ran an illegal sports betting operation with up to 700 active customers. Sibella extended credit to Nix despite being aware of his activities.

The scandal also involves Mathew Bowyer, who operated a parallel illegal book, and Ippei Mizuhara, a former interpreter for MLB star Shohei Ohtani, who embezzled $17 million to fund his gambling.

All three individuals pled guilty and await sentencing in 2025, with penalties ranging from significant fines to potential prison time.

Regulatory Actions and Fallout

Sibella’s consequences include:

• A five-year revocation of his Nevada gaming license, backdated to December 2023.
• Placement on the NGCB’s denials and findings of unsuitability list.
• A $10,000 fine and one year of probation, following his court sentencing earlier this year.

While Sibella admitted guilt, he claimed he deliberately avoided confirming Nix’s illegal activities:
“I didn’t want to know because of my position… If we know, we can’t allow them to gamble,” he said.

Sibella’s involvement has also impacted Resorts World, which fired him in September 2023. The NGCB filed a complaint against the property, citing 12 violations, including anti-money laundering (AML) lapses. However, MGM Grand has not faced similar disciplinary action, despite its ties to Sibella during the height of the scandal.

The Bigger Picture: Industry Implications

The revocation of Sibella’s license underscores Nevada’s commitment to maintaining integrity in its gaming industry. This decision sends a strong message to operators and executives about the importance of compliance and oversight.

Good to Know: Resorts World had until December 9 to respond to the NGCB’s complaint, but its response has not yet been made public.

The case also highlights vulnerabilities in the system, particularly regarding anti-money laundering compliance and suspicious activity reporting.

Scott Sibella’s fall from grace serves as a cautionary tale for the gaming industry. His license revocation reflects Nevada’s strict regulatory standards and the serious consequences of failing to uphold them.

As the cases of Nix, Bowyer, and Mizuhara proceed in court, the scandal continues to ripple across the industry. With Resorts World under scrutiny and MGM Grand avoiding immediate action, the spotlight remains on Nevada’s approach to enforcing accountability.

This high-profile case reinforces the need for all gaming operators and executives to prioritize compliance, transparency, and ethical practices in an industry built on trust and regulation.