The Nevada Gaming Control Board has filed a complaint against former MGM Resorts International executive Paul Sibella, alleging multiple violations of state gaming laws and regulations during his tenure at the company. The complaint, filed on Friday, details a litany of alleged transgressions committed by Sibella during his time as president and chief operating officer of MGM Grand Las Vegas.
According to the complaint, Sibella engaged in a pattern of behavior that violated the Gaming Control Act, including failing to report income from sources other than MGM Grand, using his position to benefit himself and others, and engaging in conduct that reflects unfavorably on the gaming industry. The complaint also alleges that Sibella failed to disclose conflicts of interest and violated state regulations regarding communications with gaming regulators.
The Control Board’s complaint shines a light on Sibella’s alleged misconduct, painting a picture of a high-ranking executive who flouted the rules and abused his authority for personal gain. The complaint alleges that Sibella received significant income from sources other than his employment with MGM Grand, including consulting fees and speaking engagements, which he failed to report to the Control Board as required by law.
Additionally, the complaint alleges that Sibella used his position at MGM Grand to secure favorable treatment for himself and others, including arranging for VIP accommodations and other perks for his personal benefit. The complaint also asserts that Sibella engaged in conduct that runs counter to the high ethical standards expected of gaming industry executives, tarnishing the reputation of both MGM Grand and the gaming industry as a whole.
In response to the allegations, Sibella’s attorney issued a statement denying the charges and asserting that his client has always acted in accordance with the law and in the best interests of MGM Grand. The attorney also criticized the Control Board for filing the complaint, calling it a “baseless and politically motivated attack” on Sibella’s reputation.
The filing of the complaint marks a significant escalation in the ongoing legal battle between Sibella and the Control Board. The complaint seeks to revoke Sibella’s gaming license and bar him from working in the gaming industry in the future, effectively ending his career in the lucrative field of casino management.
As the case proceeds, the gaming industry will be closely watching to see how the allegations against Sibella are resolved and what impact they may have on the broader regulatory landscape in Nevada. The outcome of this high-profile case could have far-reaching implications for the future of gaming regulation in the state and beyond.
