Litigants Accuse MGM Resorts of Multi-Million Dollar Financial Damages due to Alleged Beverage Adulteration
Boozed-Up Betting: The Unsettling Allegation Against MGM
In the swanky world of casino gambling, a cocktail or two is par for the course. But one unsettling incident has cast a long shadow over the high-roller circuit, thanks to a CA real estate developer, Dwight Manley, claiming he was drugged during a gambling spree at the MGM Grand in December 2020. Manley's filing a whopping $75 million lawsuit against the mega casino chain, accusing them of negligence.
A Tale of Woe
Dwight Manley, a casino regular since the '90s, reveled in the VIP treatment that came his way thanks to his two-decade gambling stint. Chauffeured rides, posh accommodations - the works. But his last visit took an unexpected turn. He'd planned to test his luck at blackjack and take part in a poker tournament. Instead, he ended up in a legal battle.
His night took a darker hue after he took a sip of his Old-Fashioned. The suit claims the drink tasted bitter, and soon, his world spun out of control. The alleged drugging left him disoriented, causing him to break an ashtray and injure his hand—all without him registering the pain or the mess.
A Whirlwind night
Casino management, rather than addressing the issue, shuffled him to another blackjack table. His friends were informed that the pit bosses had concerns about his erratic behavior. Despite this, Manley managed to place three markers, totalling $3.5 million in wagers.
As his condition worsened, he stumbled on his way back to the Venetian. Instead of heading to their intended destination, his group returned to their villa, where Manley collapsed. He suffered from dizziness and nausea the next day, back in California.
The Unearthed Truth: Ketamine in the Drink
A drug test confirmed he'd been dosed with ketamine, a tranquilizer known for hallucinogenic effects. Manley insists he'd never willingly consumed ketamine, prompting him to file a police report in Las Vegas. The lawsuit further alleges that MGM failed to take reasonable precautions, given Manley's long-standing relationship with the casino and the visible signs of his erratic behavior.
While MGM Resorts continues its attempts to recover the unpaid $440,000 marker, they've remained tight-lipped about the lawsuit. Their legal team, however, has tried to get the claim dismissed.
In the Realm of Warring Claims
Such allegations, if proven, can lead to severe repercussions for establishments like MGM Resorts. The legal and reputational risks are high, especially when a high-profile individual like Manley accuses them of negligence.
While the specifics of the incident may not be publicly disclosed, the lawsuit suggests that Manley believes the alleged drugging had a substantial impact on him. In cases like these, if a customer can prove the establishment failed to ensure their safety, legal action may be pursued. The courts will ultimately decide the validity of Manley's allegations and assign responsibility, if any, to MGM Resorts.
Stay tuned for updates as this high-stakes legal drama unfolds.
- Dwight Manley, a frequent casino-goer since the '90s who enjoyed the VIP privileges that came with his gambling history, claimed he was drugged with ketamine during a visit to the MGM Grand in December 2020, an altercation that has led to a $75 million lawsuit against the mega casino chain.
- Manley's lawsuit alleges that MGM Resorts failed to exercise reasonable precautions, given his long-standing relationship with the casino and the visible signs of his erratic behavior during a poker tournament and blackjack game.
- In the suit, Manley recalls drinking an Old-Fashioned at the casino-bar that tasted bitter before he became disoriented and injured his hand, which the lawsuit attributes to ketamine in his drink.
- Despite the casino management's concern over Manley's behavior, he was allowed to continue gambling, placing $3.5 million in wagers at a blackjack table afterward.
- Amid the ongoing legal battle, it is crucial for the casino-and-gambling industry to promote responsible gambling and ensure the safety of their patrons to avoid allegations of negligence and preserve their casino-culture reputation.
