According to the Associated Press, a former Las Vegas casino executive was sentenced to a year’s probation for allowing an illegal bookmaker to gamble millions at the MGM Grand to pay off debts in cash.
Scott Sibella has worked in the Las Vegas Casino industry for years and has ties to many of the properties. He was the chief operating officer at the MGM Grand for eight years and then went on to become the president of Resorts World Las Vegas until 2023.
In 2024, Sibella pleaded guilty to violating the federal anti-money laundering rules. US District Judge Dolly Gee ordered Sibella to pay nearly $10k in fines and serve a year of probation. Judge Gee considered Sibella’s no previous criminal history and provided more than 80-character testimonies.
It is also possible that the Nevada Gaming Commission could revoke Sibella’s state gaming license and impose fines of up to $750k for his actions. Before sentencing, Sibella apologized to his family, friends, and co-workers before telling the judge she would never see him again in her courtroom.
Wayne Nix, the bookmaker in Sibella’s case, is currently awaiting sentencing for operating an illegal gambling operation and filing a false tax return. Sibella admitted to allowing Nix to gamble at the MGM despite knowing about his illicit gambling business. Sibella admitted to letting Nix gamble because he wasn’t cheating the casino.
What Is The Casino Gambling Age In Nevada?
The casino gambling age in Nevada is 21; however, there are 18+ online casinos that residents and visitors can access. Since Vegas is a tourist destination, in some instances, 18-year-olds can enter a casino, but they are never allowed to linger in the casino or gamble at any time on the game room floor.
Are 18+ Online Casinos Legal In Nevada?
No federal or state laws restrict access to 18+ casinos in Nevada. While some sites have opted out of the state, several reputable online casinos will take bets from adults over eighteen.
Nevada does not license online casinos to operate from inside the state as they wish to keep them thriving. However, you can find state-regulated online sportsbooks and poker rooms that share a player pool with other online gambling states.