Alex Dixon out as Resorts World Las Vegas CEO

Resorts World Las Vegas announced Thursday that it has replaced CEO Alex Dixon with Carlos Castro. Castro, who joined in February as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, will assume full leadership of the casino resort, taking over its strategy, operations, and overall direction, effective immediately, the Casino.org reported.

“He has already made a positive impact on the property by attracting top talent and realigning strategy, marketing and operations,” Board Chair Jim Murren Murren said.

Dixon, who joined the company just two months before Castro and previously served as CEO of Q Casino & Resort and the Dubuque Racing Association in Iowa, will transition into a new role as senior advisor to the board of directors. Murren stated that the leadership change was made “to best harness our potential.”

The leadership shake-up comes as Resorts World continues to navigate the aftermath of a major scandal. In March, the resort settled an illegal betting case with the Nevada Gaming Control Board for $10.5 million — the second-largest fine in Las Vegas history. Although the matter was settled at the state level, regulators warned that additional disciplinary action could follow if federal investigations move forward.

The fallout from the scandal has prompted sweeping changes at the top of the organization. Former president and COO Scott Sibella was ousted in September 2023, followed by the departures of executives Doni Taube and Richard Corbett in 2024.

Castro addressed the Nevada Gaming Control Board on Wednesday, reaffirming that Resorts World Las Vegas is in “recovery mode,” the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. He said the resort has taken a hit over the past three quarters, particularly in its slot business, but emphasized that leadership changes and operational overhauls are aimed at long-term recovery. A new senior vice president of slot operations is set to begin in June.

“We do see recovery coming in 12 to 18 months as that business ramps up and we become more diligent in our marketing and sales efforts,” he said. “We’re comfortable and confident that business will return.”

Resorts World also announced on Thursday the hiring of Josef Wagner as senior vice president of food and beverage and hospitality development. Wagner, who previously led programs at Bellagio, Park MGM, and the NoMad, brings more than 20 years of experience.

The company also established a new board chaired by Murren, the former CEO of MGM Resorts International, and including notable names such as former NGCB chair A.G. Burnett and former Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval. Last month, it also hired Jennifer Roberts as the resort’s first Chief Compliance Officer. She now oversees regulatory compliance, registration, licensing, and responsible gaming initiatives.

”This has been a year of transitions, and we appreciate how challenging this can be,” Murren said. “We believe we have the best leadership in place and know that each day we will be showing the best of what Resorts World has to offer our guests.”