In a startling accusation, Dwight Manley, a high-profile gambler and California real estate mogul, alleges he lost millions after being surreptitiously drugged at a Las Vegas casino. Manley has filed a lawsuit against MGM Resorts International, accusing them of negligence and deceptive trade practices, and claims to have lost a whopping $2m while under the influence. According to court documents, Manley was consuming cocktails during a blackjack session at the MGM Grand when he began feeling disoriented and disconcerted, suspecting that his drinks had been spiked. Medical tests later allegedly confirmed the presence of ketamine, a potent tranquilizer, in his system, leading to the lawsuit and increasing concerns over player safety at high-stakes gambling venues.
Profile of Dwight Manley
Meet Dwight Manley. This Californian real estate executive and former sports agent is an individual who is no stranger to the spotlight. Once an influential figure in the world of sports management, Manley’s name has been associated with some of the industry’s most recognizable athletes. Today, he enjoys a successful career in the property arena, buying and selling estates across the sun-soaked state of California.
But in recent times, Manley found himself center stage for an entirely different reason. A lawsuit has propelled him into the news headlines again. This time, he’s not making deals but is rather involved in a dispute with the renown MGM Resorts International. His history with MGM goes far beyond this incident. Manley, a VIP player, has been associated with MGM for three decades and enjoyed numerous trips there, usually invited by the enterprise.
Nature of Lawsuit Against MGM Resorts
Manley’s issue with MGM Resorts International revolves around a lawsuit he filed following a gaming incident where he allegedly lost millions. The lawsuit documents state a surprising and worrying series of events that led to the loss. Manley claims that during a visit to one of MGM’s casinos, his cocktail was spiked, resulting in disorientation and memory loss.
Details of the lawsuit highlight that Manley lost $2 million in markers during this incident. Not only that, but he also states that MGM is demanding an additional $440,000 from him. One of the key allegations from Manley against MGM is that his drink was laced with a known anaesthetic, Ketamine, which left him disoriented and out of control.
Manley’s Blackjack Experience at MGM
On the day of the incident, Manley was playing his game of choice, blackjack, at the MGM Grand’s private gaming venue. The incident occurred in December 2021. Manley claimed to have tasted bitterness in his cocktail but consumed the drinks, only to find himself disoriented and behaving erratically.
Official court documentation paints a worrying picture of the scenario, one where Manley was so disoriented that he broke a glass ashtray, cut his hand and continued to play on while bleeding. Moving on, it is important to review MGM’s alleged response to Manley’s condition before delving into his post-event actions.
MGM Resorts’ Alleged Response to Manley’s Condition
According to Manley, MGM Resorts International demonstrated negligence in their response to his disoriented state. The reports state that MGM moved him from one table to another but did not seek any medical assistance for his injury. Channeling Manley’s sentiments, it can be perceived as highly inappropriate for a renowned entity such as MGM to neglect the well-being of their guests.
Especially concerning is Manley’s alleged memory loss and elevated gambling credit limit during his disoriented state. Despite his erratic behavior, he was given applications to increase his gambling limit and ended up reaching a maximum of $3.5 million, which he has no recollection of. These events turned a soured gaming experience into a legal battle.
Manley’s Post-event Actions
Manley’s suspicion of his drink being spiked led him to seek medical advice upon his return to California. He expressed this concern to his casino host via text following the event. After testing his hair as recommended by the doctor, the tests returned positive for Ketamine, lending credibility to Manley’s allegations.
Legal Proceedings Post Incident
Following this shocking event, Manley filed his lawsuit against MGM Resorts International in November 2022. He called for declarative relief and accused the corporation of negligence, deceptive trade practices, and unjust enrichment. The lawsuit is seeking damages over $75,000. MGM, on the other hand, attempted to dismiss the lawsuit altogether. Moreover, he filed a report to the Nevada police and lodged a complaint with the Nevada Gaming Control Board regarding the incident.
Investigation into the Incident
The serious allegations made by Manley merited a complete investigation. In addition to his initial reports to the Nevada police and the Gaming Control Board, Manley also launched personal investigations into the incident. He is adamant about finding the responsible parties for what he views as a potentially life-threatening ordeal.
Reward Offered by Manley for Information
In a move reflecting the intensity of his determination, Manley announced a reward of $500,000. Eligibility for the reward entails providing information that leads to an arrest and conviction of the persons responsible for the spiked drink. Platforms for providing this information include www.Reward4InfoCasinoDrugging.com, a web address specified by Manley himself.
Reactions and Comments on Lawsuit
Many legal experts have been weighing in on this high-profile lawsuit, observing the details of the courtroom proceedings with rapt attention. Public opinion on the case has been mixed, with some sympathizing with Manley’s predicament and others expressing skepticism over the allegations. On the other hand, MGM’s response to the lawsuit has been to make attempts to dismiss the claim outright.
Impact on MGM Resorts’ Reputation and Operations
Regardless of outcomes, this lawsuit could have seismic implications for MGM. Financial implications could run into millions if Manley’s lawsuit is successful. From a reputational perspective, allegations this severe have the power to cast a shadow over MGM’s image. Changes in MGM’s policies or procedures regarding patron safety and well-being might be on the horizon. Irrespective of the lawsuit’s fate, the incident has already prompted discussions on the accountability of establishments in ensuring the safety and well-being of their guests.