The firing of Resorts World Las Vegas President Scott Sibilla has possible ties to the ongoing federal investigation into an illegal gambling ring. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
Lots of smoke
The firing of Resorts World Las Vegas President and Chief Operating Officer Scott Sibella is likely related to an ongoing investigation into an illegal gambling ring. A consulting firm representing the Genting-owned casino said on Friday that Sibilla had violated company policy, without providing any details. Current CFO and Senior Vice President Peter Lavoie will assume the position of President following Sibilla’s departure.
An ongoing federal investigation is looking into an illegal gambling ring involving professional athletes. Former minor league baseball player Wayne Nix, the man accused of leading the operation, is currently awaiting sentencing.
Sibilla previously served as Chief Operating Officer and President of MGM Grand
The scope of the investigation has reportedly expanded, with federal authorities subpoenaing employees at MGM Grand and Resorts World. Sibilla previously served as Chief Operating Officer and President of MGM Grand, and Unnamed Current Nevada source He claimed agents specifically inquired about the 60-year-old.
Employees at casinos in the city allegedly acted as agents for the illegal betting network for nearly two decades. One theory is that workers used casino resources such as promotional chips and companies to pay off their gambling debts. The employees also allegedly provided confidential customer data to the gambling ring.
Subpoena details
Federal authorities in the U.S. District Court in California have reportedly subpoenaed communications between some Resorts World customers and employees as part of the investigation. According to a confidential memo from the property’s general counsel Gerald Gardner, they are also looking for player data. Send the memo to people who may have access to relevant information.
Gardner explained in the memo that the federal grand jury’s subpoena related to the casino’s “policies, procedures and practices” as well as its marketing, compliance and finance departments. The subpoena requests a wide range of documents including documents related to know your customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering procedures.
The subpoena requires access to player records, suspicious activity reports and cash transaction reports
The jury also wants to examine the use of advertising segments and grant different types of benefits to players. The subpoena requires access to player records, suspicious activity reports, and cash transaction reports related to certain former or current customers.
The date of the warrant is August 9, about a week after reports surfaced that Homeland Security and the IRS Criminal Division were searching hotels in Las Vegas, including Resorts World.
Courting a lot of controversy
Resorts World and Sibella have been in the spotlight for the wrong reasons on numerous occasions since the property opened. Prominent gambler Robert Cipriani reported to law enforcement authorities about undesirable persons playing on the property with Sibilla’s knowledge. These individuals include convicted investment fraudster Robert Alexander and Brandon Sattler, who is accused of carrying out a multi-million dollar bankruptcy fraud.
There were also allegations that one of the convicted illegal bookmakers had an ownership interest in a taco stand on the property, which contravenes Nevada law and prompted an investigation. Ultimately, the Nevada Gaming Control Commission cleared Sibilla of any wrongdoing in the matter.
