Nevada Gaming Commission Fines MGM $8.5 Million Over Illegal Bookmakers

by Lisa Spencer, May 02, 2025

The Nevada Gaming Control Board has settled with MGM Resorts International, imposing an $8.5 million fine following an investigation into illegal bookmaking activities at the company’s properties.

A Settlement Has Been Reached

Another casino operator faces penalties from the Nevada Gaming Control Board, this time MGM Resorts, following the discovery of illegal bookmaking activities at MGM properties.

While voting to approve the settlement, members of the Nevada Gaming Commission praised MGM’s longstanding record of compliance, attributing the recent violations to the actions of a few individuals. The investigation began after former MGM Grand President Scott Sibella’s guilty plea to violating the Bank Secrecy Act by failing to report suspicious transactions linked to one of the two bookmakers.

The Board announced that a proposed settlement has been reached with MGM Resorts International. The agreement states that MGM will pay $8.5 million to Nevada’s General Fund, implement actions to improve its anti-money laundering program, and provide additional training for employees.

At the center of the investigation was former minor league baseball player Wayne Nix, who ran an illegal gambling ring and often brought large sums of cash — sometimes carried in duffel bags — to MGM properties. The MGM Grand accepted a staggering $4,079,830 in cash from Nix. Although staff had raised concerns and conducted inquiries dating back to 2017, these activities were not fully stopped until much later. Not acting sooner prompted the Nevada Gaming Commission to respond firmly, increasing pressure on casinos to strengthen their internal controls significantly.

MGM Implements New Compliance Measures

The Nevada Gaming Commission unanimously voted to approve the settlement. During the hearing, members highlighted the improvements MGM has implemented since the incidents, which occurred between 2015 and 2018.

NGC Chair Jennifer Togliatti said,

“I believe MGM now has one of the state’s cutting-edge compliance programs, and it only takes one bad actor to ruin the reputation of the entire organization.”

MGM’s counsel emphasized that the company has changed its policies and enhanced employee training on anti-money laundering practices. MGM also pointed to hiring new compliance-focused staff and bringing in independent auditors to evaluate controls across its properties.

Nevada regulators will continue monitoring MGM Resorts properties for potential money laundering violations as part of the settlement. However, the matter is now largely considered a closed chapter for MGM. Investigations revealed that several MGM employees had failed in their responsibilities, with ultimate accountability falling on former MGM Grand President Scott Sibella.