Confirmed: Resorts World appoints Jim Murren to “save” the struggling resort, but with a twist

Just yesterday we shared the first news that Jim Murren from Resorts World had been brought on board to help right the resort’s ship.

It was confirmed, but in a way no one expected it. Murren will not be president and CEO as rumored. He will head a four-member board that oversees Resorts World.

Alex Dixon has been named CEO, whoever that may be. Yes, it’s all very confusing, but we love a delightful drama.

The official announcement of the leadership changes at Resorts World was full of the requisite PR bullshit: “This announcement underscores the development path of Resorts World Las Vegas as the appointments strengthen the hotel’s governance structure to advance its forward-looking business strategy.”

Never trust anyone who uses “Vegas” as the possessive form of “Vegas.”

Resorts World has suffered some serious problems since it opened, uncovering scandals involving money laundering and recently reporting a quarterly financial report that was its worst in three years.

The appointment of Jim Murren, the former CEO of MGM Resorts, as chairman of the board is an interesting move that has several possible explanations.

This agreement avoids Murren directly assuming the role of President/CEO, which brings with it greater scrutiny of his involvement in any compliance shenanigans during his time at MGM Resorts.

Being president/CEO of a casino would also be a step backwards in Murren’s professional career. Now he has more of an advisory role, gets a big check and isn’t really dependent on results. You know, like leading the Nevada COVID-19 Task Force.

The whole situation is wild. Resorts World appoints Alex Dixon as CEO (previously CEO of Q Casino & Resort and Dubuque Racing Association in Dubuque, Iowa), presumably an “outsider” to maintain some semblance of decency at Resorts World as the resort faces potential millions of dollars in fines Illegal rentals threatened Bookies are playing there, but Jim Murren is the moral compass leading the resort’s resurrection?

Dixon has also worked with MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment and Goldman Sachs. He will begin his new position at Resorts World effective January 16, 2025.

Former Resorts World president Scott Sibella pleaded guilty to ignoring suspicious transactions at the MGM Grand. Sibella was what is known as the “fall guy.”

Everyone knew it.

MGM Resorts paid a $7.45 million fine as part of a non-prosecution agreement with the Justice Department to resolve the alleged money laundering compliance violations. Nothing says “We’re squeaky clean!” like non-prosecution agreements.

Resorts World’s announcement includes the other three board members: AG Burnett, Michelle DiTondo and Kong Han Tan.

Burnett was a past chairman and member of the Nevada Gaming Control Board (2011-2017). You know, the regulators who ensure casinos comply with regulations like anti-money laundering compliance.

Michelle DiTondo worked in human resources at MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment and American Express. Strong experience in dealing with money laundering allegations and poor financial results. (Oh, and never trust a press release that has an apostrophe in “Caesar’s,” like Resorts World does.)

Kong Han Tan is President, CEO and Executive Director of Genting Berhad, the owner of Resorts World Las Vegas.

As the kids say, “What could go wrong?”

There has been one debacle after another at Resorts World, including the time the hotel’s giant video screen was used to beat up a VIP host at the XS Nightclub at Wynn. We’re not making this up.

Resorts World is a lovely resort, but its Malaysia-based owner seems completely clueless when it comes to doing business in Las Vegas. This attempt to resolve all questions about the resort’s practices and ethics only raises more questions. First and foremost: “WTF are they doing?”

Honestly, casino baseball is almost as boring as real baseball. We will try to keep it to a minimum.