Gaming Losses Allegedly Paid to Las Vegas Casino Workers


Posted on: August 4, 2023, 02:19h.

Last updated on: August 4, 2023, 02:19h.

Officials Keep Silent as Las Vegas Hotel Workers Face Possible Wrongdoing Investigation

Thom Mrozek
Thom Mrozek, a DOJ spokesman, pictured above. He declined to comment this week on allegations related to a reported inquiry on casino employees in Las Vegas. (Image: Los Angeles Times)

According to the Nevada Current, federal agents are investigating allegations of Las Vegas hotel workers misusing casino assets for gambling debts and illicitly releasing player data.

The report specifically names Resorts World Las Vegas President Scott Sibella, MGM Resorts, and gambler Wayne Nix regarding the allegations.

Contact with NGCB

The Current alleges that federal agents spoke with former employees of the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) regarding Scott Sibella, who previously served as president of MGM Grand.

A state employee, choosing to remain anonymous, informed the Current that MGM Resorts workers used comps and promotional chips meant for high rollers to pay personal gambling debts to Wayne Nix, who is also involved in an illegal sports betting operation.

The investigation is also examining whether hotel employees provided customer data to the illegal operation, as reported.

Additional allegations claim that casino workers encouraged customers to bet through an illegal ring connected to professional athletes and received kickbacks, as reported by the Current.

An unnamed source revealed that these illicit practices have been ongoing for decades.

The agents leading the inquiry are from Homeland Security and the Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service.

No charges have been filed and Casino.org cannot independently verify the allegations.

Representatives of Resorts World and MGM Resorts declined to comment when contacted by Casino.org.

“I have no comment on the piece,” said Thom Mrozek, a spokesperson for the U.S. Justice Department based in Los Angeles, in response to Casino.org‘s inquiry.

Guilty Pleas

In 2022, Wayne Nix pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to running an illegal betting operation and filing false tax returns. His sentencing is scheduled for next March.

Nix failed to report $1.5 million in income, as per authorities.

In a related case, William Eric Fulton pleaded guilty last month to making false statements. Fulton provided accounting services to Nix.

Prosecutors also alleged that Fulton laundered Nix’s illicit gambling proceeds.

Fulton is set to be sentenced on November 29.

Sibella Cleared

Previously, the NGCB cleared Scott Sibella of any wrongdoing after gambler and consultant Brandon Sattler claimed Sibella knew about a convicted gambler having ownership in a restaurant within Resorts World.

Sattler specifically mentioned Tacos El Cabron, a small eatery located on the grounds of Resorts World.

Under Nevada gaming laws, convicted felons are prohibited from owning more than a 5% stake in businesses located on the premises of a non-restricted gaming license holder like Resorts World.

David Stroj, who worked at the taco joint at Resorts World, confirmed that his father, Peter, retained full ownership of the restaurant, contradicting the allegations.

In 2018, David Stroj was convicted for involvement in an illegal sports betting business. Prosecutors revealed that he and other defendants operated an illegal bookmaking network worth $10 million and laundered its proceeds through Las Vegas casinos, including the Wynn and Bellagio.

Stroj later accepted a plea deal and received three years of supervised release. He is barred from most Las Vegas Strip casinos.

Sattler also accused Sibella of engaging in drug use, partying, and multiple simultaneous sexual encounters.

However, these allegations were dismissed.

“After a thorough investigation by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, the allegations against Resorts World and its president, Scott Sibella, made by Brandon Sattler were found to be unsubstantiated,” stated NGCB member George Assad in February.

Resorts World previously issued a statement calling Sattler’s claims “maliciously false and unfounded.”

In May 2022, Taco Joint El Cabron ceased operations. Resorts World opened in 2021.



Source link

Leave a Comment