The MGM Grand is one of the most popular casinos and hotels on the Las Vegas Strip and often finds itself mentioned in articles as well as social media, but this time the casino is hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons!
Former Las Vegas casino executive, Scott Sibella, has just pleaded guilty to a charge of assisting an illegal gambling ring within the MGM Grand. The illegal gambling ring run by a former minor league baseball player, who carried duffel bags full of cash to The Strip.
This Is How We Roll
Wayne Nix's illicit sports betting ring was created to cater for VIPS including NBA legend Scottie Pippen and LeBron James' business manager Maverick Carter. In 2018, Nix rocked up to the MGM Grand with $120K in cash to pay off a gambling debt, but Sibella didn’t do what he was supposed to do and file a suspicious activity report, thus violating federal anti-money laundering rules.
According to the plea agreement, free hotel stays, complimentary meals and golf outings were thrown at the feet of Nix and other high-rollers, courtesy of Sibella, between August 2017 and February 2019. In a statement through his attorney, Sibella said: “I take full responsibility for my actions and inactions, but I must make clear I took no action for my personal benefit or inurement.”
It was only in September of last year that Sibella’s antics were brought to the attention of the Genting-Group-owned casino, who instantly fired him, the feds probe highlighting Sibella’s company policy violations was the final nail in the coffin, ending an 8-year presidency of MGM Grand.
“I Hold My Hands Up!”
Pleading guilty to a charge of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and filing a false tax return Nix, the former pitcher for Oakland Athletics farm teams, is also alleged to have lured in new members for his betting operation through luxury golf outings provided by MGM Grand. A customer who was known to Sibella placed a $5million bet on the Super Bowl through Nix’s illegal gambling business, according to official documents.
It has also been revealed in the news that Las Vegas high-roller Rober ‘RJ’ Cipriani had warned Sibella of felons with fraud and illegal gambling convictions were playing at Resorts World, but Sibella brushed off these warnings.
After pleading guilty and knowing he could face a possible 5 years in prison, Sibella said: “I am pleased to have this investigation and its findings reaching a conclusion. I am proud of my 35 years of contributions and leadership to the industry that has meant so much to and has supported me. 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.”
Source: “Disgraced Former Las Vegas Casino Executive Scott Sibella Faces Up To Five Years In Prison After Pleading Guilty To Allowing Illegal Bookmaker To The Stars To Launder Cash At MGM Grand”. Daily Mail. January 25, 2024.
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