Published on: June 16, 2026, 06:53h.

Updated on: June 16, 2026, 06:54h.

• MGM Refutes Claims of $76,000 Baccarat Tip Received by Waitress
• Casino Challenges Allegations of Chips Being Returned to Player
• Lawsuit Tests Employee Rights Under Federal and Maryland Laws

MGM National Harbor has contested significant claims made in a federal lawsuit initiated by a seasoned cocktail waitress alleging that the casino wrongfully confiscated her $76,000 tip from a high-stakes baccarat gambler.

In a court document filed on May 29 in Maryland’s federal court, MGM denied pivotal allegations leveled by waitress Tajia Mackyeon, who is seeking over $1.1 million in damages related to the contested gratuity.

Mackyeon, employed at the casino for nine years, claims that during an early morning gaming session on April 13, a VIP customer handed her 16 high-value chips totaling $76,000.

The lawsuit asserts that she asked the customer three times if he intended for the chips to be a tip and received affirmative answers each time, before casino management intervened and assumed control of the chips.

The complaint suggests that the patron displayed no signs of confusion or impairment and continued to gamble for approximately half an hour thereafter, indicating that casino staff believed he was capable of making informed financial decisions.

MGM’s Rebuttal

However, MGM’s response challenges Mackyeon’s account.

The casino contends that the chips did not constitute a $76,000 tip belonging to Mackyeon and disputes claims that it later returned the funds to the player.

MGM further denies that the player had previously won substantial amounts in baccarat before making the tip and refutes assertions that managers wrongfully seized money belonging to the waitress.

The document does not clarify MGM’s alternative narrative or provide details regarding the chips’ status post-removal from Mackyeon’s possession.

Legal Violations Alleged

In her lawsuit, filed in early May, Mackyeon claims violations of both federal and Maryland wage laws, as well as allegations of conversion, civil conspiracy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and more.

She argues that the disputed tip became her property the moment it was given to her, asserting that MGM illegally deprived her of this amount while continuing to compensate her with a tipped wage below Maryland’s minimum wage standards.

According to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, employers are generally prohibited from retaining tips given to workers. Additionally, Maryland regulations allow employers to pay tipped employees below the standard minimum wage only if those employees retain their tips.

The lawsuit claims: “Defendant’s managers were aware that the $76,000 tip was potentially life-altering for the Plaintiff and either knew or recklessly ignored the high probability that taking such a sum from her, ignoring her inquiries, and ultimately giving the money to a third party would result in severe emotional distress for her.”

In its legal response, MGM denied any wrongdoing and stated that all actions concerning Mackyeon were taken for “legitimate business purposes” in compliance with relevant legal standards.

The company also asserted that a “bona fide, legitimate, and good faith dispute” exists surrounding whether any tips or wages are owed.

The case is now entering the discovery phase, where both parties will likely seek surveillance footage, casino records, and witness statements related to the contested transaction.