Nevada commission files complaint against former Resorts World chief Sibella
Sibella was fired as Resorts World Las Vegas president in September after he “violated company policies”.
The following month, a suit was filed against Sibella for allegedly allowing criminals to gamble at Resorts World Las Vegas with stolen and “ill-gotten” funds.
In January, Sibella pleaded guilty over his involvement in an illicit gambling ring involving illegal bookmaker Wayne Nix.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board has now filed its own three-count complaint over alleged wrongdoing relating to violations of its commission regulations.
Attorney general Aaron D Ford submitted the complaint. The commission chairman Kirk D Hendrick, as well as members Brittnie Watkins and George Assad, signed the complaint.
The three complaints against Sibella
Count one of the Nevada Gaming Control Board’s complaint alleges Sibella failed to file a report over a suspicious transaction involving Nix presenting $120,000 (£96,085/€112,329) in cash at the MGM Grand Las Vegas.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board states this was in violation of both its own regulations and Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS).
The complaint’s second count accuses Sibella of allowing Nix to gamble at the MGM Grand. This was despite knowing of his involvement in illegal bookmaking.
Sibella also alleges that Nix received “complimentary benefits”. These included golf trips with senior executives, aiming to encourage Nix to keep using the casino and other properties.
Finally, count three relates to allegedly failing to comply with MGM Resorts International US Casinos policies on anti-money laundering. The commission is accusing Sibella of failing to complete a report having known or suspected money laundering.
“Reasonable cause” for disciplinary action
The complaint states that the allegations contain reasonable grounds for disciplinary action to be taken.
The commission is calling for Sibella to be fined a sum for each separate violation to an amount set by the parameters of NRS 463.310(4). The statute outlines that the fine shouldn’t be less than $25,000 or more than $250,000 for each violation.
Additionally, the commission is looking for action to be taken against Sibella’s licence as well as further measures that the commission deems “just and proper”.