Both announcements were made on December 5 through a [press release](https://www.rwlasvegas.com/press/resorts-world-las-vegas-establishes-board-of-directors-with-jim-murren-as-chairman-appoints-alex-dixon-as-chief-executive-officer/). The newly formed board of directors is led by Jim Murren, who has a long history with MGM Resorts, having served as chairman and CEO. Murren also currently chairs the [General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority](https://igamingbusiness.com/casino/property-development/uae-integrated-resort-licensing/) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The board also includes:
– A.G. Burnett, a partner at McDonald Carano and former chair of the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB).
– Michelle DiTondo, a principal at Avion Consulting.
– Kong Han Tan, president and COO of Resorts World’s parent company, Genting Berhad.
Alongside the formation of the board, Resorts World appointed Alex Dixon as its new CEO. A native of Las Vegas, Dixon previously served as CEO of Q Casino & Resort and the Dubuque Racing Association in Dubuque, Iowa.
Remarkably, Murren, Dixon, and DiTondo all have past ties to MGM Resorts, having worked there during the late 2010s. The board members started their duties on December 4, whereas Dixon is set to commence his role on January 16. Genting CEO Kok Thay Lim expressed his optimism about the new leadership, believing that it will propel the company towards achieving its strategic objectives in the coming years.
In the third quarter, Resorts World reported revenues of $177 million (£139 million/€167.6 million) and an EBITDA of $16 million, reflecting declines of 18% and 68% from the previous quarter, respectively.
### Announcement Comes Days Before NGCB Response Due
The announcement of new leadership arrives at a critical juncture for Resorts World. The casino is entangled in a money laundering scandal and is confronting a 12-count complaint from the NGCB. A formal response is expected by December 9.
Initially filed on August 15, the [31-page complaint](https://gaming.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/gamingnvgov/content/gaming/complaints/NGC%2024-04%20Genting%20Berhad.pdf) accuses Resorts World of engaging individuals with suspected links to illegal bookmaking and organized crime, highlighting an overall lack of control. The board has suggested that the Nevada Gaming Commission consider official measures against the casino, potentially including fines, license suspensions, or state oversight.
### Key Figures Involved in Scandal
Central to the scandal is Mathew Bowyer, an illegal bookmaker from California who wagered millions at Resorts World since its 2021 opening. Bowyer collaborated with Ippei Mizuhara, the former translator for MLB star Shohei Ohtani.
Mizuhara is currently awaiting sentencing for [embezzling approximately $17 million from Ohtani](https://igamingbusiness.com/sports-betting/ippei-mizuhara-pleads-guilty-in-illegal-sports-betting-case/) to settle debts with Bowyer, who reportedly laundered the funds through accounts at Resorts World and California’s Pechanga Resort Casino. Bowyer’s wife, Nicole, was employed by Resorts World as his personal host. He is facing up to 18 years in prison and is scheduled for sentencing on April 4, 2025.
Another pivotal figure is Scott Sibella, who was the president and COO of Resorts World from 2019 to 2023. He was [dismissed last September](https://igamingbusiness.com/people/resorts-world-las-vegas-scott-sibella/) for breaching company policy following revelations of an investigation into the property.
In May, Sibella [admitted to anti-money laundering (AML) violations](https://igamingbusiness.com/casino/ex-mgm-exec-sibella-gets-probation-9500-fine-in-money-laundering-case/) related to his tenure as president of MGM Grand. He received a sentence of one year on probation and a $9,500 fine. During his time at MGM Grand, he allegedly permitted Wayne Nix, another notorious illegal bookmaker, to settle a $120,000 marker in cash without filing a suspicious transaction report.
Murren was still at MGM when Sibella’s misconduct took place. As reported by the [Nevada Current](https://nevadacurrent.com/briefs/murren-headed-to-resorts-world-knew-in-2019-of-questionable-gamblers/#:~:text=The%20company%20paid%20a%20%247.45,of%20a%20non-prosecution%20agreement.), Murren was made aware of these allegations as early as 2019. Resorts World has opted not to comment on the linkage.
