A low-wage casino worker alleges in a federal lawsuit that her employer stole a $76,000 tip she received from a high-stakes player.

Tajia Mackyeon, who for nearly a decade served drinks at MGM National Harbor in Maryland, claims in the lawsuit that a gambler gave her an enormous tip during a good run of cards.

However, she claims, the casino illegally confiscated the tip and returned it to the baccarat player. Malice and greed motivated the casino’s actions, the lawsuit alleges.

The lawsuit states that MGM’s “conduct was so outrageous in character, and so extreme in degree, as to go beyond all possible bounds of decency, and to be regarded as atrocious and utterly intolerable in a civilized community.”

‘Generous’ Casino Tip

The lawsuit says that in the early morning hours of April 13, a “winning” gambler gave Mackyeon $76,000 in 16 high-denomination casino chips.

“He confirmed three times over that he meant for her to have it,” the lawsuit says.

According to the complaint, the gambler was not visibly impaired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. He was fully aware that he was giving her a massive tip, the suit says.

Just minutes after she received the “life-changing” money, her managers “demanded that she surrender” the chips. She complied, and she never saw the money again.

Mackyeon says her bosses ghosted her when she asked about getting her money back.

The lawsuit alleges that the casino returned the $76,000 tip to the gambler. He was wagering $25,000 a hand, according to the suit.

Alleged Motive for Casino

The motivation for the alleged conduct was that MGM National Harbor wanted the chips to remain in the gambler’s hands.

In other words, the gambler could later lose the $76,000 to the casino.

The lawsuit states “on information and belief” that MGM returned the $76,000 to the gambler three days later. According to the complaint, the gambler was “reasonably likely” to continue visiting MGM National Harbor at later dates.

The lawsuit states that the gambler “bought back in on at least one occasion” following the tip he gave to Mackyeon. This claim suggests that his winning streak turned into a losing streak.

What’s Next

MGM has not responded to the lawsuit filed on April 30, but a response is expected.

Mackyeon is seeking a judgment of no less than $1.1 million for what allegedly happened. She says she’s endured emotional distress from the incident.

It’s unclear whether she’s still working at the casino.

Other MGM-Related Allegations

The MGM National Harbor lawsuit adds to a list of pending cases involving the casino operator, including:

– BetMGM allegedly contacted self-excluded gamblers, state says.

– BetMGM allegedly helped gambler reverse his self-exclusion, lawsuit says.

– Former NBA agent says he was drugged during losing streak at MGM casino.

Image by christockwell from Pixabay