Lawsuit Says High-Stakes Gambler Was Drugged While Playing Casino BlackjackMGM Resorts Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Spiked Drink That Led To Millions In Losses |
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It’s no secret casino gambling often includes some cocktails. But one California high roller has filed a lawsuit alleging his gambling went too far after his drink was spiked, leaving him barely able to function at the table.
Orange County real estate developer and former sports agent Dwight Manley has sued MGM Resorts after alleging he received a spiked drink while on a trip to the MGM Grand to play high-limit blackjack in December 2020. He’s now filed a $75 million lawsuit, has hired private investigators, and is offering a $500,000 reward to locate the individual who supposedly spiked the cocktail.
A Look At The Allegations
According to the suit, the 57-year-old regularly gambled at the property from 1990 to 2021 and received VIP treatment because of his high roller status, including private jet travel, free premium lodging, and more. Accompanied by friends, Manley planned to gamble and play in a poker tournament while on his last trip.
After arriving, Manley began playing blackjack and ordered a drink. That’s when he says things changed from a normal gambling trip to something more serious.
“Shortly after first sitting down at a blackjack table, (Manley) ordered an Old-Fashioned cocktail from the bar located at the high-limit gaming salon,” the suit notes. “Immediately upon tasting his first cocktail that was delivered … he remarked that the cocktail tasted bitter.”
According to the lawsuit, after consuming the drink, Manley became disoriented, later breaking an ashtray and cutting his hand. He didn’t notice the blood or feel pain from the injury and says casino management moved him to a different blackjack table to continue playing.
During this time, attorneys allege MGM’s casino host told his friends that pit bosses described Manley’s play as erratic. However, he was still able to sign three markers for a total of $3.5 million to wager. When the group later left and attempted to go to the Venetian, friends said Manley could barely stand, falling several times as he tried to walk.
The group instead returned to their villa and Manley collapsed in bed, feeling “groggy and nauseous” the following morning, according to the lawsuit.
Positive Test For Ketamine
The group headed back to California that day and Manley underwent a drug test, testing positive for ketamine. The tranquilizer can produce hallucinogenic effects and makes those under the influence feel disconnected and not in control.
The television producer, real estate developer, avid coin collector, and former agent for NBA players Karl Malone and Dennis Rodman said he’d never knowingly ingested ketamine and filed a police report in Las Vegas for the incident. The lawsuit alleges MGM “failed to act responsibly toward (Manley) when its casino host, with a long-tenured relationship with plaintiff, identified ‘erratic’ behavior and when plaintiff was bleeding on the gaming table without even realizing.”
MGM continues to work to collect the remaining funds of $440,000 from the marker and hasn’t commented on the lawsuit, although casino lawyers have attempted to have the claim dismissed.
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