Resorts World Las Vegas Names Jim Murren Chairman and Alex Dixon CEO | Casinos and games

An embattled Las Vegas Strip casino facing serious allegations from Nevada gaming regulators for allowing illegal gambling activities and failing to combat money laundering has named a new top executive who will work with a recently formed oversight committee to oversee the to get the situation into trouble.

Genting Berhad, the parent company of Resorts World Las Vegas, announced the appointment of Jim Murren, former CEO and chairman of MGM Resorts International, as chairman of a four-member board that will “strengthen and assist in the property’s governance structure.” “We are driving forward the future business strategy,” says a press release.

“Resorts World Las Vegas has transformed the Vegas Strip with its relentless focus on delivering the ultimate guest experience. That’s why I’m thrilled to join the team and help continue to set the standard for world-class hospitality,” Murren said in the press release. “The Board and I look forward to continuing to build on the strong foundation of the leadership team and driving further growth and innovation that will benefit all of RWLV’s key stakeholders.”

Alex Dixon, who has held leadership positions at both MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment, has been named CEO of Resorts World Las Vegas.

The press release did not mention Peter LaVoie, who has served as property president since 2023.

“As Resorts World Las Vegas continues to establish itself as a premier resort destination in Las Vegas, we are pleased to welcome this group of industry leaders to oversee and guide the leadership team to deliver unparalleled guest experiences while furthering our commitment to compliance said Kok Thay Lim, chairman and CEO of Malaysia-based Genting Berhad. “With over 40 years of combined experience in the global gaming and hospitality industries, we are confident that Alex and Jim, together with the Board, will help drive the company forward in pursuit of our strategic goals in the coming years.”

Worst financial quarter in two years

The overhaul at Resorts World follows the Strip property’s worst fiscal quarter in two years. The company pointed to external factors such as summer heat and domestic election concerns as reasons for the decline in returns in the third quarter of 2024.

The announcement also comes just days before Resorts World and Genting must respond to a 12-point disciplinary complaint filed by the Nevada Gaming Control Board in August. The board expects a response from the Las Vegas casino operator no later than December 9th.

Resorts World could face severe sanctions, including a multimillion-dollar fine and possible license suspension or revocation, as a result of allegations leveled against the operator by state gaming regulators in the Aug. 15 complaint. The Nevada Gaming Commission has not yet decided the matter.

Murren will chair a board of directors consisting of: AG Burnett, former chairman of the NGCB and gaming law attorney; Michelle DiTondo, a veteran human resources manager who has worked at MGM and Caesars; and Kong Han Tan, president and chief operating officer of Genting.

Murren currently holds a leadership position at Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and is Chairman of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority in the United Arab Emirates. He is also involved with Cirque du Soleil and Playstudios.

According to the press release, the new board assumed its duties on December 4th.

A native of Las Vegas, Dixon recently resigned from his position as CEO of the Q Casino & Resort and the Dubuque Racing Association in Iowa. He will begin his term as CEO of Resorts World Las Vegas on January 16.

“We have a bright future ahead of us and I look forward to supporting and working with the leadership of Resorts World Las Vegas, along with the Board of Directors, to continue to showcase the best the Strip has to offer,” said Dixon in the press release. “We have an incredible team of talented and dedicated people across the company and are confident that together we can achieve great things.”

Scott Sibella worked under Murren

Multiple industry sources believe Murren’s involvement with Resorts World could trigger a new round of questioning from Nevada gaming regulators, particularly surrounding Scott Sibella, the former RWLV boss who was fired in 2023.

Prior to joining Resorts World, Sibella served as president of MGM Grand Casino-Hotel, while Murren led MGM Resorts. Federal authorities accused Sibella of failing to properly report suspicious financial activity by a now-convicted illegal bookmaker during his tenure at MGM Grand. Sibella pleaded guilty earlier this year and was sentenced to one year of probation and a fine of less than $10,000.

In a 2019 email to Murren and MGM’s corporate compliance from high-stakes player Robert “RJ” Cipriani, the email – which was provided to the Review-Journal – was also sent to gambling regulators Nevada and federal law enforcement sent. MGM’s general counsel responded to Cipriani’s email, acknowledging receipt of the correspondence and indicating the company had “initiated an investigation into these serious allegations.”

The current NGCB complaint against Resorts World coincides with Sibella’s time as general manager of the property. The NGCB alleges that under Sibella, Resorts World fostered a culture that “welcomed individuals with suspected and actual ties to illegal bookmaking, with a history of federal convictions related to illegal gambling operations, and with a history of ties to organized crime.” and tempted to gamble.

In its 31-page complaint, the NGCB describes a “general lack of control” and “acceptance among Resorts World’s executives” of illegal behavior to a degree that resulted in the “perception and/or reality” of the casino “a pathway to Money laundering” and “other criminal activities”.

David Danzis can be contacted at [email protected] or (702) 383-0378. Follow AC2Vegas_Danzis on X.