Jury: Beau Rivage Did Nothing Wrong in Detaining Drunk Gambler

• Gambling News
• 21 July 2024

MGM Resorts International and Beau Rivage have prevailed over a plaintiff who alleged he was wrongfully detained at the riverboat following an incident in March 2022, according to a federal jury in Mississippi.

In his federal case, plaintiff Brent Nettles claimed that on the evening of March 11, 2022, he was wrongfully imprisoned by casino security. Nettles said he was intentionally battered during the incident as well.

Attorneys for MGM asserted that Nettles was inebriated when he was ordered to leave the casino floor and turned irrational. Nettles was allegedly advised by casino security to head back to his Beau Rivage guestroom and call it a night.  

Nettles was originally seen on surveillance footage following the instruction before turning around and returning to the bar where he was drinking with his parents and wife. Nettles said he had neglected to pay his tab in his complaint. Nettles was detained by security as they called the local police, claiming he was now trespassing.

One of MGM's most successful casinos outside of Las Vegas is Beau Rivage. There are 1,800 slots, nearly 100 live dealer table games, and a BetMGM Sportsbook at the Gulf Coast facility.

The jury finds in favor of Casino

In the Southern District of Mississippi, defense lawyers were able to persuade the jury that Nettles was intoxicated and disobeyed instructions from the casino employees. Nettles requested $2.5 million in damages from the jury.

Nettles was a regular visitor at the MGM prior to the events of March 2022.

Nettles, a Florida resident who lives in Augustine, south of Jacksonville, stated in his complaint that he likes to gamble and views it as a kind of amusement. He said in detail that he is ready to lose about $20,000 annually.

With a complimentary two-night stay, Nettles claimed MGM enticed him to Beau Rivage. Along with his spouse, he bought a room for his parents.

Nettles says he and his group went to the Eight 75 lounge on Friday night to relax with some cocktails after losing over $5,000 on the slots. Before using the restroom, he claimed to be dancing to the live band with his spouse. Security at the casino saw him tripping and came over to talk to him as he was walking back.

Nettles claimed he had recently had bilateral hip replacements and that he had avascular necrosis, a condition that causes bone tissue to die.

Nettles claimed he sustained nerve problems as a result of being handcuffed in his $2.5 million injury claim. During Nettles' deposition, Nettles' family physician, Dr. Gregory McHugh, acknowledged that he had never heard of a patient complaining of nerve injury brought on by handcuffs.

MGM's legal representative claimed that Nettles was intoxicated and, in reaction to his arrest, filed a baseless complaint. The jury reached a consensus.

“We the jury find for the defendant,” the jury wrote.

MGM Appreciates the Decision

The Sun Herald was contacted by MGM's local legal team, who expressed their satisfaction with the jury's verdict.

“Today’s verdict and the success the Beau Rivage and Thompson Addison have achieved together for many years should be a clear indication that our team will continue to vigorously defend against these meritless cases,” said Beau Rivage spokesperson Mary Cracchiolo about the casino’s longstanding relationship with Mississippi-based law firm Thompson Addison.