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Resorts World Las Vegas has let go of President Scott Sibella. The former President and Chief Operating Officer of MGM Resorts International held the position at Resorts World since 2019.
Sibella was integral in helping Resorts World Las Vegas open in 2021 after numerous delays. He helped create the hotel partnership with Hilton and brought cashless gaming to the Vegas Strip. Resorts World is still the only Vegas Strip casino that offers cashless gaming.
Resorts World sent the following statement to the media announcing his departure from the company, according to an article by the Nevada Independent:
“Resorts World Las Vegas today announced that president and COO Scott Sibella has left the company, effective immediately. This action comes after the company was recently made aware that Mr. Sibella violated company policies and the terms of his employment.”
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Peter LaVoie will be the new CEO. Coincidentally, LaVoie is also a former executive for MGM Resorts.
The company says “Peter’s extensive experience and expertise make him the right person to lead Resorts World Las Vegas through this transition.”
Scott Sibella’s sudden departure is not entirely surprising
Sibella’s departure was sudden but not entirely unexpected. He’s been embroiled in multiple scandals over the past year.
Last year, Sibella was linked to a former illegal bookmaker in an investigation by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB). The allegations were unfounded and he was cleared of any wrongdoing in February.
If the claims against Sibella were valid, he and Resorts World could have received disciplinary action from the NGCB for working with a convicted illegal gambler.
In August, the Nevada Current reported that Federal law enforcement agents from California were investigating numerous Las Vegas casino executives – including Sibella.
According to the Current, law enforcement was looking into allegations that casino executives were involved with an illegal sports betting ring operated by former minor league baseball player Wayne Nix.
There’s no word if Sibella’s reported involvement violated Resorts World policies in this case.
What’s ahead for the Resorts World Las Vegas casino?
Resorts World is owned by Genting Group in Malaysia. Including Resorts World Las Vegas (RWLV), the company has more than 40 casinos worldwide.
The casino resort on the north end of the Vegas Strip is still trying to find its footing in the market. During Genting Group’s recent Q2 earnings report, they noted a positive path forward for Resorts World:
“RWLV achieved hotel occupancy rate and ADR of 90.2% and USD243 respectively, which show positive movement towards future targeted projections. With the growing return of conventions and business travel to Las Vegas, RWLV will have its highest mix of convention base room nights in 2023.
New performances at the Resorts World Theatre and future projects are expected to drive significant foot traffic in the remainder of 2023 and beyond.”
Earlier this year, Resorts World changed its Genting Rewards loyalty program. The changes to the program weren’t radical.
Many existing players noticed as the tier levels changed for many players. The property started charging for self-parking around this time. As an incentive for guests to sign up, all Genting Rewards members now receive complimentary parking.
The company also submitted a proposal to Clark County to build a convention center on unused land at Resorts World. Perhaps this will be on the agenda for the new CEO.
