The ultimate spot for Casinos & Sportsbooks

MGM Resorts has just agreed to a huge settlement with the Nevada Gaming Control Board after a series of improper business practices by its former president, Scott Sibella. Allegedly, Scott Sibella failed to notify the authorities after several suspicious transactions made by known illegal bookie Wayne Nix. Nix reportedly used prohibited funds from his illicit bookmaking enterprise to gamble and play at a number of casinos in Las Vegas. MGM Resorts International has reached an agreement to pay an $8.5 million fine in a stipulated settlement with the Nevada Gaming Control Board after it was found to have failed in its anti-money laundering obligations. The penalty comes amid revelations that the company knowingly allowed illegal bookmakers to gamble millions of dollars in illicit funds at several of its properties, including MGM Grand and The Cosmopolitan. An investigation into illegal activities The agreement stems from a broader investigation into the actions of the former President of MGM Grand, Scott Sibella, who neglected to report suspicious activity tied to Wayne Nix, an illegal bookmaker. Court documents reveal that Nix, a former minor league baseball player, used proceeds from his unlawful bookmaking operation to gamble at high-end Vegas casinos. Between 2017 and 2021, Nix wagered over $4 million in illegal funds at MGM Grand alone. Despite clear red flags - including a $50,000 cash drop in small denominations - MGM Grand's compliance team failed to take sufficient action. The NGCB found that internal investigations could not substantiate Nix's source of income, yet no Suspicious Activity Incident Report was filed, as required under the Bank Secrecy Act. Sibella under suspicion Sibella, along with two other MGM employees, was aware of Nix's illicit gambling habits. Instead of taking action, the executives provided him with complimentary benefits such as luxury accommodations, fine dining, golf outings, and even a casino line of credit, known as a "maker account." Sibella, who had received formal training in anti-money laundering compliance, chose not to escalate the issue. The scandal has broader implications for the Nevada gaming industry. Sibella later took a leadership role at Resorts World, where similar misconduct allegedly occurred. Another bookmaker, Matthew Bowyer - who has been implicated in the Shohei Ohtani gambling scandal - was allowed to place wagers at Resorts World during Sibella's tenure, also using illegal cash proceeds. Sibella was ultimately terminated by Resorts World in 2023 for violating company policies. A history of transgressions in the industry In May 2024, Sibella pleaded guilty in federal court to failing to file reports of suspicious transactions, a serious violation of federal law. He was sentenced to one year of probation and had his Nevada gaming license revoked. He had faced a $250,000 fine and as much as five years in prison. The $8.5 million stipulated agreement is expected to be approved by the NGCB as early as next week. MGM Grand has voluntarily waived its right to a public hearing, and the penalty must be paid within two business days of formal acceptance. Proceeds from the settlement will be directed to Nevada's General Fund. Other major settlements in the past This is not the first major financial penalty for MGM related to this case. In 2024, The Cosmopolitan and MGM reached a $7.5 million settlement with the US Attorney's Office for the Central District of California for similar violations linked to Nix. That settlement required the casinos to undergo an external operational review and upgrade their anti-money laundering programs. Additionally, Resorts World had agreed to a $10.5 million settlement last month following its own ties to illegal gambling activities. The complaint alleged 'unsuitable methods of operation,' including allowing Matt Bowyer to make a $1 million deposit without proper verification of the source of funds. The complaint also cited criminal activity by professional poker player and bookie Damien LeForbes, who has pleaded guilty to related money laundering and illegal gambling charges. The MGM fine marks the second-largest gaming penalty in Nevada history, surpassed only by the $20 million fine levied against Wynn Resorts in 2019 for failing to address sexual misconduct allegations involving its founder. The NGCB has emphasized that these settlements demonstrate the importance of rigorous compliance and accountability in the gaming industry, warning that enforcement actions will continue for those who fail to meet regulatory standards.

MGM Rewards reveals enhanced new perks and benefits associated with its rewards system, including more milestone rewards as well as more elevated experiences on cruises and vacations. It has also revealed rollover tier credits and celebrations and is all set to launch a brand-new eGift card and a credit card. MGM Rewards, the premier loyalty program from MGM Resorts International, has announced a sweeping series of enhancements set to transform the member experience both on land and at sea. These updates include improved partner benefits, the introduction of Milestone Rewards, expanded tier matching with Marriott Bonvoy, exclusive cruise perks, and a newly launched eGift card system. With more ways to earn and enjoy, MGM Rewards is redefining what loyalty means for millions of members worldwide. "We are elevating our rewards program and creating more ways than ever to earn and enjoy benefits across the world and at sea," said VP of Loyalty Marketing at MGM Resorts, Anil Mansukhani. "We listened to feedback from our members and wanted to recognize and reward guests' advancements throughout every level which is our central focus in delivering a best-in-class loyalty experience." Expanded Marriott Bonvoy tier matching A major highlight of the program's revamp is the enhanced partnership with Marriott Bonvoy, offering tier-matching benefits for a broader range of MGM Rewards members: Pearl members can now receive Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Gold members can enjoy Gold Elite status. Platinum members can continue with Gold Elite benefits. NOIR members are matched into Ambassador Elite, Marriott Bonvoy’s top-tier level. This expanded tier match program opens doors for MGM Rewards members at more than 10,000 Marriott Bonvoy properties worldwide, providing perks like room upgrades, late checkout, and welcome gifts. Members with previously linked accounts will automatically benefit from the new status levels. Elevated cruise benefits with Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean In collaboration with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, MGM Rewards is enhancing its Annual Cruise Benefit. For the first time: Gold members now qualify for the Annual Cruise Benefit. Platinum and NOIR members gain access to upgraded staterooms and a wider selection of extended cruise itineraries. Additionally, all MGM Rewards members will now receive Onboard FreePlay, a gaming benefit based on their tier status when sailing under MGM Rewards promotions. Introducing Milestone Rewards and tier celebrations The new Milestone Rewards program bridges the gap between tier achievements, allowing members to earn exclusive perks along their loyalty journey. A standout feature is the Rollover Tier Credits, which lets members carry over up to 25,000 Tier Credits into the 2026 program year by meeting the following benchmarks in 2025: Earn 50,000 Tier Credits: Carry over 7,500 Earn 125,000 Tier Credits: Carry over an additional 17,500 Along with each tier advancement, members can unlock celebration credits and travel bonuses: Gold: $100 MGM Resorts credit Platinum: $200 MGM Resorts credit + up to $600 air travel credit NOIR: $500 MGM Resorts credit + up to $1,200 air travel credit Debut of MGM Rewards eGift card MGM Rewards has also introduced its first-ever eGift Card, offering members an easy way to share experiences across MGM Resorts' iconic destinations, from Bellagio in Las Vegas to Beau Rivage in the state of Mississippi. These digital gift cards are redeemable at participating restaurants, retail shops, spas, and even for hotel stays. To celebrate the launch, eligible members will get an exclusive offer on eGift card purchases, making it the ideal last-minute gift option. Looking ahead: credit card coming soon These updates mark the first phase of MGM Rewards' 2025 program evolution. Coming soon is the launch of an MGM Rewards credit card, designed to unlock even more travel perks and offer accelerated point and Tier Credit earnings. For more information or to join MGM Rewards, visit MGM Rewards Sign-Up. Stay tuned to the MGM Resorts Newsroom for future announcements on the credit card and more loyalty program innovations.