Casino chief allowed gambling with ‘illicit funds’

Monday, 29 Jan, 2024 0

A former casino resort boss looked the other way and knowingly let a high roller gamble with ‘illicit funds.’

Scott Sibella, then president of the MGM Grand casino, pretended to not notice.

He admitted this in a plea deal with federal prosecutors.

Sibella told authorities investigators in 2022 that he was aware the money was from illegal sports bookmaking, but ‘didn’t want to know’

“If we know, we can’t allow them to gamble,” Sibella said.

“I didn’t ask, and I didn’t want to know I guess, because he wasn’t doing anything to cheat the casino.”

Suspicious activity of this kind must be reported when known under federal law.

Customer Wayne Nix was allowed to continue gambling in cash at the MGM Grand, prosecutors stated in just unsealed court documents.

The MGM Grand received over $4 million in illegal funds from Nix’s business by 2020.

Sibella took a plea deal and plead guilty to one count of failure to file reports of suspicious transactions.

“I take full responsibility for my actions and inactions, but I took no action for my personal benefit or inurement,” Sibella said.

“While president of MGM Grand, Mr. Sibella undermined the trust and confidence of his employees, customers and regulating agencies, and for that he will be held accountable,” Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher said.

Nix pleaded guilty in 2022 to conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and tax violations.

Sibella faces a sentencing hearing in May.

TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

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