MGM Resorts penalized $8.5 million for neglecting anti-money laundering regulations
*MGM Resorts International's Deep Dive into Trouble**
Looks like MGM Resorts International is flying a little too close to the sun, coughing up an astonishing $8.5 million in fines to Nevada regulators after a heavy-duty investigation into anti-money laundering (AML) mishaps. If the Nevada Gaming Commission gives its stamp of approval next week, this penalty will rank among the largest regulatory fines in the state's history.
The smoking gun is a 10-count complaint by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB), focused on MGM's inability to keep illicit gambling activities at bay and manage large cash transactions at the MGM Grand and The Cosmopolitan. A big chunk of the blame falls on former MGM Grand President Scott Sibella.
According to the complaint, Sibella green-lit complimentary perks - including hotel rooms, meals, and show tickets - for Wayne Nix, an ex-minor league baseball player turned notorious bookie who wagered millions in illicit cash over hundreds of visits. Red flags were raised internally as early as 2015, but no suspicious reports were filed, and Nix was allowed to continue his shenanigans.
The investigation dug up more dirt on another uninvited bookie, Mathew Bowyer, who placed bets at MGM properties between 2015 and 2018. Executives had their doubts about his financial credibility, but they let him play anyway, even after a customer accused him of poaching clients for illegal betting.
MGM's Struggle Against Financial Penalties
MGM Resorts has acknowledged the settlement, stating they've collaborated with regulators and beefed up internal controls against AML lapses. They remained tight-lipped about the fine but said they've since ramped up AML training for employees and established a system for flagging suspicious behavior.
This state-level fine follows a separate $7.45 million federal penalty MGM paid as part of a non-prosecution agreement. In total, MGM has shelled out over $16 million to rectify issues related to illegal betting operations and AML gaffes.
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[1] Nevada Gaming Commission, "Investigation and Finding of Violations Against MGM Resorts International," April 24, 2025[2] Las Vegas Review-Journal, "MGM Resorts Agrees to Pay $8.5 Million Fine to Nevada Regulators," April 23, 2025[3] Associated Press, "MGM Resorts to Pay $8.5 Million Fine Over Money Laundering Investigation," April 23, 2025[4] Associated Press, "MGM Resorts to Enhance Anti-Money Laundering Measures Following Nevada Fine," April 24, 2025[5] U.S. Department of Justice, "MGM Resorts International Agrees to Pay $7.45 Million for Non-Prosecution Agreement," January 15, 2025
- The $8.5 million fine MGM Resorts International announced, one of the largest in Nevada's history, was agreed upon with state regulators as a result of a thorough investigation into money laundering (AML) violations.
- The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) filed a 10-count complaint against MGM Resorts, alleging failure to prevent illicit gambling and manage large cash transactions at two of their resorts.
- The fallout from this investigation also saw Mathew Bowyer, another uninvited bookie, coming under scrutiny for placing bets at MGM properties, despite doubts about his financial credibility.
- In a bid to avoid future fines and improve business operations in line with general-news standards and crime-and-justice guidelines, MGM has taken steps such as enhancing AML training for employees and establishing a system to flag suspicious behavior.
