Published on: December 12, 2025, 04:58h. 

Updated on: December 12, 2025, 04:58h.

Michael Duke Thomson asserts that his last clear memory on January 23, 2024, was exiting the high-stakes blackjack area at Aria in Las Vegas just past midnight with several thousand dollars in chips. Fast forward, and he finds himself handcuffed in the casino’s security office, facing a debt of $75,000 to the casino.

Thomson, a 64-year-old legal practitioner, initiated a civil lawsuit on Friday that resembles a script from “The Hangover.” He alleges that he was unknowingly drugged, leaving him unable to control his actions.

The legal filing, presented in the US District Court of Nevada, claims that the Aria staff allowed him to endorse a series of credit markers while disregarding clear signs of his impairment that “would have been evident to anyone.”

“It is unfair for Aria to keep funds obtained under these circumstances,” the lawsuit asserts. “The plaintiff was incapable of understanding the nature and implications of his actions and transactions during that period, as Aria was aware or should have been aware.”

From Blackjack to Blackout

As he fell deeper into his involuntary stupor, Thomson’s lawsuit claims that the casino wrongly apprehended him instead of obtaining the medical assistance he clearly required.

Thomson, now living in Puerto Rico, describes his loyalty to Aria with a flawless repayment track record. He recalls taking out a single $10,000 marker that night and settling it immediately.

After leaving the blackjack table, he intended to head back to his room but alleges he ended up blacking out.

Casino personnel later informed him that he had been discovered asleep in the Sky Suites lounge, reportedly reacted violently when awakened, and was kept in detention around 11 a.m. on January 24. He was subsequently formally banned from returning to the property without the threat of arrest.

The next day, Thomson reached out to his VIP host, who indicated he had eight outstanding markers totaling $75,000. Thomson claims he repeatedly requested documentation but received no response.

Marker Dilemma

Approximately three months later, Thomson’s bank notified him that Aria had presented the markers for payment. He instructed the bank not to process them until he could investigate. The bank deemed five as “Not Authorized” and three as “Insufficient Funds.”

Subsequently, Aria escalated the issue to the Clark County District Attorney’s Bad Check Unit. In November 2024, Thomson faced charges of passing fraudulent checks and theft. He was arrested, posted bail, and ultimately settled the disputed markers to prevent going to trial.

His criminal case was dismissed in October.

Defendant Becomes Plaintiff

Thomson’s civil lawsuit charges Aria and its parent company MGM Resorts with negligence, unjust enrichment, and malicious prosecution. He contends that the markers are invalid due to his incapacitated state or, alternatively, that they were forged.

The complaint alleges that Aria violated its responsibility to advocate for responsible gambling by allowing him to borrow substantial sums while clearly impaired. It also criticizes the casino for pursuing charges despite his attempts to reconcile the matter.

Thomson is seeking a jury trial and compensation. MGM Resorts has yet to respond to his allegations.