On Thursday, the Nevada Gaming Commission voted 4-0 to the FINE MGM Resorts International $ 8.5 million to allow two illegal bookmakers to play at MGM Grand and Cosmopolitan.
It was the fourth highest fine in the Nevada Gaming Control Board history and complete disciplinary measures relating to the former MGM Grand President Scott Sibella and two casino hosts, who were aware that two California men playing at the casino were running illegal sports games.
MGM Resorts had issued a statement Friday, the day after the Gaming Control Board published a complaint of 10 bills against the state’s largest resort operator. The company said that changes have been made to prevent what happened from ever occurring again.
“MGM Resorts takes its compliance responsibility seriously and fully cooperated with the Nevada Gaming Control Board to solve this issue,” says the company’s statement. “The company has made significant investments to build one of the industry’s strongest programs against money laundering by executive leadership and is supported by rigorous training and internal controls. We have taken further measures to strengthen protective measures, increase the liability and confirm our commitment to do what is right for supervisors, guests and stakeholders.”
The complaint stated an inappropriate operating method by enabling previous league baseball players and illegal bookmaker Wayne Nix and a second illegal bookmaker, Mathew Bowyer, to play in the two casinos between 2017 and 2020.
Nix and Bowyer appealed guilty to federal illegal gaming fees in California 2018 and 2024 respectively.
Defects against the money
The complaint was established in investigations conducted by the Board and the US law office for the Central District of California and implies deficiencies in MGM’s anti-money wash program.
Some of the court documents from the US law office were submitted as exhibitions in the complaint for the control committee.
With reference to a long -term friendship with Sibella, Commissioner Abbi Silver recalled from the vote.
The Complaint Said “Not Only Did Sibella and the Two Hosts Continue to Allow Nix to Present Illicit Proceeds to the Casino and/or at Other Affiliate Properties, But They would Provide Nix Complimamenta Benefits at the Casino, InCludes and High Highs and Golf TRIPS, Board, Board, Room, Board, Room, Board, Room, Board, ROOM, ROOM, ROOM, ROOM, ROOM, ROOM, ROOM, ROOM, ROOM, ROOM, ROOM, ROOM, ROOM, ROOM, ROOM, ROOM, ROOM, ROOM, ROOM, ROOM, ROD WORD, ROOM, ROD WORR GOLD WORR GOLDS AND GOLDS AND ELCER HIGHS AND OPENS AT THE CASINES Customers at the Casino to Further Encourage Nix to Patronize the Casino and Spend His Illicit Proceeds at the casino. “
Investigators also said, “NIX would often travel from his home and business base in the Central District of California to casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada, with illegal cash from the NIX gaming industry. The cash usually consists with high-denomination Bills, and, sometimes, NIX transported cash in duffles, brown paper bags or brown paper bags or leather bags.
Eight of the ten bills raised against MGM involved measures by NIX and an involved Bowyer, with a directed at the company’s anti-money laundering deficiencies.
Sibella, also a former top manager with Resorts World Las Vegas, was already punished by state regulatory authorities when the Gaming Commission voted to withdraw his gaming license in December and fines him $ 10,000. He had previously been sentenced to one year’s provision and a fine $ 9,500, plus a special assessment of $ 100 to have breached the Federal Banking Act.
Sibella has said that other managers within the company failed to submit suspected activity reports and that the practice he has been punished for has occurred at other casinos all over the city.
Resorts world well
Commissioners also agreed in March to Fine Resorts World $ 10.5 million, the second highest fine ever assessed, for their role in enabling Bowyer to play there. Sibella was not involved in that investigation.
Still unresolved are penalties against Nicole Bowyer, Mathew Bowyer’s wife, who worked as an independent agent on behalf of Resorts World.
Independent agents encourage players to play at specific casinos and are paid a commission from the casino based on the player’s losses.
In January, the Gaming Commission chose to delay action against Nicole Bowyer and sought a greater penalty against her than a recommended five -year license ban. At least one commissioner wanted to see a life ban that was introduced against her.
This is a developing story. Come back for updates.
Contact Richard N. Velotta at rvelotta@ theplayerlounge.com or 702-477-3893. Follow @rickvelotta at X.
