MGM Resorts International has entered into an $8.5 million settlement agreement with the Nevada Gaming Control Board over a disciplinary complaint.
According to a release by the NGCB on April 18th, the complaint alleges ‘unsuitable methods of operation’ arising from the activities of two illegal bookmakers.
Aside from the potential fine itself, the proposed settlement details numerous remedial measures to be implemented at MGMRI and its subsidiary gaming properties.
The NGCB notes that the majority of the conditions and remediations focus on enhancing enhancements to MGMRI’s anti-money laundering (AML) programs, ‘as well as additional training and employee awareness of AML requirements’.
The Nevada Gaming Commission is scheduled to consider approval of this stipulation on April 24th in Las Vegas.
The case relates to alleged millions gambled by illegal bookmaker Wayne Nix, who used cash to cover debts on the beds gambled at The MGM Grand Las Vegas and The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.
In the case, both Nix and other illegal bookmaker Matthew Bowyer are named.
The two bookmakers were alleged to have gambled millions in 2018, during the period in which then MGM president Scott Sibella was overseeing operations.
The settlement is believed to end the Nevada state’s investigation into MGM Resorts regarding Sibella.
Sibella has already pleaded guilty in connection with violations of the US Bank Secrecy Act regarding illegal bookmaking during his time at MGM.
MGM Resorts is the parent company of Macau-based gaming operator MGM China.
