Lawsuit Filed Against MGM Resorts for Alleged Millions in Damages Due to Suspected Drink Tampering
In the rip-roaring world of casino gambling, swirling down cocktails is as common as rolling the dice. But a storm has brewed, rocking the high-stakes realm, as a Cali real estate magnate and former sports agent, Dwight Manley, alleges his gambling run went south at the MGM Grand in late 2020. Manley, in a bold move, has filed a lawsuit against MGM Resorts, seeking a whopping $75 million in damages. He's left no stone unturned, drafting private eyes and even offering a half-million smackers to crack the case of the alleged spiked drink.
The Gambling Saga Unfolds
Manley, a regular at MGM properties since the '90s, basked in VIP treatment – from private jets to lavish suites – over his two-decade gaming spree. His final fling, however, took a dark turn when he ordered an Old-Fashioned at the blackjack table. The lawsuit insists that the cocktail, upon first sip, tasted odd. And so began an unexpected detour from high-stakes gaming.
An Unexpected Twist
Downing the suspect drink, Manley's world turned upside down. He grew disoriented, smashing an ashtray and cutting his hand without noticing the pain. Instead of intervening, the casino staff escorted him to another blackjack table. During this turbulent period, the casino host reportedly hinted to Manley's pals that the pit bosses were concerned about his bizarre behavior. Yet, Manley carried on, signing three markers, betting a staggering $3.5 mil.
Leaving the casino and en route to the Venetian, Manley's state worsened. Passersby noticed him stumbling repeatedly. Despite the group's original plans, they turned back to their villa, where Manley collapsed, grappling with dizziness and queasiness.
A Stunning Revelation: Ketamine at Play
The following day, back in Cali, Manley underwent a drug test, revealing ketamine in his system. This mind-bending drug, known for inducing hallucinations, left Manley feeling out of sorts. Consequently, he reported the incident to the LVPD and, with this lawsuit, accuses MGM of neglect, given their long-term relationship with him, glaring signs of erratic behavior, and the unattended injury at the gaming table.
As this legal brawl rolls on, MGM Resorts persists in recovering the outstanding $440k marker from Manley. So far, the casino behemoth has remained hush-hush about the lawsuit, though their legal eagles have attempted to have the claim dismissed.
Manley, a frequent gambler at MGM properties, had enjoyed VIP privileges since the '90s. However, his last visit in 2020 took an alarming turn when he tasted an odd flavor in his Old-Fashioned at a blackjack table. Following the consumption of this drink, Manley experienced disorientation and erratic behavior, which the casino staff seemed to observe but ignored.
Despite his unsettling condition, Manley continued to gamble, betting an astonishing $3.5 million. Eventually, his friends noticed his distress and returned to their villa, where Manley collapsed from dizziness and queasiness.
The next day, back in California, Manley underwent a drug test that revealed ketamine in his system. This powerful hallucinogen, normally not prescribed for cocktail consumption, further fueled Manley's allegations against MGM Resorts. He accuses them of negligence due to their long-standing relationship, the apparent disregard for his erratic behavior, and the unattended injury at the gaming table.
While MGM Resorts continues to pursue the $440k marker owed from Manley, the company has remained tight-lipped about the ongoing legal matter. Lawyers for the casino giant have attempted to dismiss Manley's lawsuit, but the saga of this high-profile, allegedly spiked drink incident continues to make waves in the casino-and-gambling industry and Las Vegas trends.
The gambling world is watchfully following this high-stakes lawsuit, marked by personalities like Manley and the casino culture it represents, shedding light on the matter of responsible gambling and the potential risks lurking in the world of casino games. Lotteries and poker tournaments may attract big-wins, but incidents like Manley's raise concerns about the darker sides of the industry, including alleged drug spiking at casino venues.
