The NGCB filed a 10-count complaint last week, accusing MGM of neglecting its anti-money laundering (AML) obligations.
According to the filing, Sibella and several MGM casino hosts were aware Nix and Bowyer were gambling with illicit funds but allowed the activity to continue.
Both bookmakers are currently awaiting sentencing for federal charges related to money laundering and illegal gambling.
This settlement follows a similar $7.45m payment made by MGM to federal prosecutors last year for the same offences.
The NGCB stated that, under the agreement, MGM must implement remedial measures, including a revised AML programme and mandatory annual AML training for all staff.This settlement comes amid a broader wave of action against money-laundering practices in the casino industry.
Wider scandal
Last month, Resorts World Las Vegas agreed to pay $10.5m for similar offences involving Bowyer’s illegal gambling operation.
At the time, Sibella served as president of Resorts World and was in charge when much of the alleged wrongdoing was taking place. He was fired in September 2023.
Meanwhile, Sibella pleaded guilty to violating the Bank Secrecy Act and received a one-year probation sentence along with a $9,500 fine. He had his gaming licence revoked for five years.
One of Bowyer’s prominent clients, Ippei Mizuhara, former interpreter for MLB star Shohei Ohtani, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for embezzling $17m to fund his gambling at illegal bookmakers.
