Dennis Rodman Ex-Agent Sues MGM Grand Over ‘Ketamine-Spiked’ Drink

Posted on: October 16, 2023, 10:35h. 

Last updated on: October 16, 2023, 12:10h.

Philip Conneller @casinoorgphilc Read More
Expertise: Gaming Business, Regulation, Tribal Gaming.

A California high roller who was Dennis Rodman’s agent in the 1990s is suing the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. He claims his drink was spiked with ketamine in one of the casino’s exclusive VIP rooms and led to huge losses.

Dwight Manley, MGM Grand, ketamine
Dwight Manley, above, believes he shouldn’t be held responsible for gambling losses that allegedly occurred after someone drugged his drink in a VIP gambling room. (Image: Federico Medina/OC Weekly)

Real estate executive Dwight Manley is also offering a $500K reward for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrator.

The plaintiff, 57, lost $2 million in casino markers playing blackjack. He did so, he claims, while unwittingly under the influence of the horse tranquilizer turned party drug, according to the lawsuit.

Private Jet

Manley has been a VIP customer with MGM since the 1990s, when he first met Rodman at the craps tables and agreed to become his agent. In December 2021, he had been invited to stay in the MGM Mansion by VIP staff who laid on a private jet for him, his girlfriend, and two friends, court filings stated.

At around 1:45 p.m. on December 10, Manley ordered an “old fashioned” cocktail, which he claims tasted “bitter.” Nevertheless, he finished it and ordered a second, at which point he began to feel disoriented.

At around 4 p.m., Manley broke a glass ashtray, cutting his hand on it, which bled onto the gaming table.

Staff moved him to a different table but didn’t offer any medical help other than some Band-Aids, the suit claims. They did, however, offer him a line of credit up to $3.5 million, despite his “erratic” behavior, per the complaint.

At around 5:15 p.m., Manley’s friends took him back to his villa, where he collapsed. When he woke the next day, he felt he had been drugged. He returned to California, where medical tests turned up ketamine in his system.

‘Serious Criminal Act’

Ketamine, also known as angel dust, was developed as an anesthetic and is still used in veterinary medicine, particularly on larger animals. It is used recreationally in small amounts for its ability to induce a euphoric and mildly hallucinogenic state.

But users who take too large a dose have reported experiencing an unpleasant state of dissociation and confusion, known as a “K-hole.”

Manley has since hired a private investigator to look into the matter and has launched a website appealing for information at www.Reward4InfoCasinoDrugging.com.

Mr. Manley feels that a serious criminal act was directed at him which potentially put his life in danger,” one of Mr. Manley’s attorneys, Richard K Howell, told?The Orange County Register. “He is determined to do all that he can to track down and hold accountable those responsible.”

The plaintiff believes he shouldn’t be liable for the casino markers, according to the lawsuit. He seeks unspecified damages of more than $75K. He has reported the matter to Las Vegas Metro Police and the Nevada Gaming Control Board.