A high roller claims that his drink was spiked while playing blackjack at the MGM Grand and this led to him losing $2m. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Trying to identify the spiker

A high roller claims he was drugged at a Las Vegas casino and subsequently lost millions of dollars gambling as a result. Dwight Manley is suing MGM Resorts International, alleging he was subject to a serious criminal act that potentially could have been life-threatening.

The California-based real estate executive claims someone put ketamine into his cocktail while in the MGM Grand’s high roller section in December 2021. Manley then lost $2m playing blackjack, with the casino providing him with credit markers during the session to keep him playing.

casino company has been seeking payment for the $2m in markers

In addition to suing MGM, the 57-year-old is also offering a reward of $500,000 to anyone who gives information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the spiker. The casino company has been seeking payment for the $2m in markers, as well as an additional $440,000.

An erratic playing session

Manley’s relationship with MGM spans three decades. In the complaint, he said that he received an invitation to go to the casino on a private jet with three friends and his girlfriend. He ordered a whiskey-based old-fashioned drink upon his arrival, which he says tasted bitter and “dirty.” He claims to have felt disorientated and “out of it” after finishing the beverage.

Ketamine is used as an animal tranquilizer and is also often taken recreationally by people as a psychedelic drug. Its use in humans often leads to nausea, memory loss, and confusion.

The lawsuit complaint outlines how Manley broke a glass ashtray at about 4pm and began bleeding on the table game’s felt. Staff moved him to a different table but he did not receive any proper medical aid for the injury. The casino host, who had a five-year relationship with the high roller, told Manley’s friends that the pit staff noticed the player’s erratic actions.

Staff ultimately didn’t do anything further to check on his well-being or stop him from gambling. He got approval three times to increase his max credit limit, which ultimately rose to $3.5m. The group left the table to go to The Venetian at about 4:45pm, at which point Manley forgot to pick up $500,000 worth of chips from the table.

The aftermath

After Manley got up from the table, his friends quickly realized that he wasn’t right and brought him back to his villa where he collapsed in his room. He was unable to walk or stand on his own. The former sports agent claimed to have had no memory of the events the next day. This led to him texting his host at the casino, describing his suspicions of the drink being spiked.

test results showed that ketamine was in his system

He went to a doctor upon returning to California and test results showed that ketamine was in his system. This led Manley to claim that he did not owe the casino anything for the outstanding credit markers. Instead, he filed legal action and accused the casino company of breaching the implied covenant, unjust enrichment, deceptive or unfair trade practices, and negligence.

The lawsuit, which MGM is attempting to dismiss, seeks unspecified damages greater than $75,000. Manley also submitted a complaint to the Nevada Gaming Control Board and gave a statement to Nevada police.