MGM Resorts Faces Settlement Over Allegations

• MGM Resorts International is set to resolve accusations of illegal gambling and anti-money laundering (AML) violations with an $8.5 million settlement.
• The proposed agreement by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) is pending approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC).
• Recent enforcement actions have also affected other properties, with Resorts World Las Vegas encountering similar issues.

MGM Resorts International is on the verge of reaching a settlement with the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Under the proposed terms, the prominent hospitality and gaming company will pay $8.5 million to address allegations of wrongdoing and will undertake various corrective measures.

Recent Regulatory Action in Las Vegas Affects MGM Resorts International

The Nevada Gaming Control Board has accused MGM Resorts International of insufficient measures within its anti-money laundering program. Additionally, the company is alleged to have ‘facilitated’ two illegal bookmakers, Wayne Nix and Mathew Bowyer, both accused of participating in unlawful activities within the casino. The regulator elaborated on these allegations:

The complaint’s allegations focus on the actions and failures of MGM employees concerning Mr. Nix and Mr. Bowyer, alongside shortcomings in the anti-money laundering program.

The settlement is not yet finalized, as it requires discussion by the Nevada Gaming Commission at its upcoming meeting in April 2025. A recent regulatory notice indicated that Nix was allowed to gamble and reportedly ‘launder’ money at The Cosmopolitan and MGM Grand, properties owned by MGM Resorts International.

The accusations are further intensified by suggestions that some casino hosts may have collaborated with Bowyer, directing clients from the MGM Sportsbook to his operation.

For the settlement to be valid and enforceable, MGM Resorts International has agreed to implement corrective measures across all its properties. These new initiatives will primarily target AML practices and involve training staff to better recognize potential money laundering activities.

This situation represents a significant challenge for another Las Vegas casino property in recent weeks. Previously, Resorts World Las Vegas faced a similar regulatory issue and agreed to a $10.5 million settlement with the NGCB.

NGCB’s Expertise in Conducting Complex Investigations

The Nevada Gaming Control Board targeted the company for failing to adhere to AML regulations and noted that Resorts World Las Vegas did not adequately fulfill its obligations as a Nevada gaming license holder.

Meanwhile, the investigation into the illegal bookmakers dates back to 2015, when Nix and Bowyer first appeared at MGM-owned properties, demonstrating the NGCB’s ability to uncover past violations effectively.

This case follows a previous complaint by the NGCB against former MGM Grand President Scott Sibella, who was accused of failing to properly manage operations at the MGM Grand and The Cosmopolitan, particularly regarding what the regulator described as illegal gambling and mishandling substantial amounts of money. As a result, Sibella’s gaming license was suspended in Nevada.