Vegas High-roller Sues Aria Casino Over Real-Life ‘Hangover’ Experience
Posted on: December 12, 2025, 04:58h.
Last updated on: December 12, 2025, 04:58h.
Michael Duke Thomson claims his last memory on January 23, 2024 was leaving the high-limit blackjack room at the Aria in Las Vegas around midnight with a few thousand dollars in chips. Cut to the next scene and he’s handcuffed inside the casino resort’s security office, $75,000 in debt to the house.
Thomson, a 64-year-old attorney, filed a civil lawsuit Friday that seems ripped from the screenplay of “The Hangover.” As were the main characters in the 2007 Hollywood blockbuster, he claims to have been unknowingly drugged, leaving him incapacitated and unresponsible for his actions.
The complaint, filed in US District Court in Nevada, alleges that Aria staff let him sign off on a string of credit markers while ignoring signs of impairment that “would have been obvious to anyone.”
“It is inequitable for Aria to retain funds procured under these circumstances,” it states. “Plaintiff was unable to understand in a reasonable manner the nature and consequence of his actions and the transactions during this timeframe, as Aria knew or should have known.”
Blackjack to Blackout
As he slipped further into his involuntary stupor, Thomson’s lawsuit argues, the casino wrongfully detained him instead of seeking the medical help he plainly needed.
Thomson, who now resides in Puerto Rico, describes himself as a loyal Aria customer with a spotless repayment history. He recalls taking out a single $10,000 marker that night and paying it back immediately.
After leaving the blackjack table, he intended to return to his room — but claims he blacked out instead.
Casino staff later told him he had been found asleep in the Sky Suites lounge, allegedly lashed out when roused, and was detained around 11 a.m. on January 24. He was then formally trespassed from the property, making him unable to return without facing arrest.
The following day, Thomson contacted his VIP host, who informed him he had eight outstanding markers totaling $75,000. Thomson claims he repeatedly asked for documentation but received no explanation.
Markered Man
About three months later, Thomson’s bank alerted him that Aria had submitted the markers for payment. He instructed the bank not to honor them until he could investigate. The bank returned five as “Not Authorized” and three as “Non-Sufficient Funds.”
Aria then referred the matter to the Clark County District Attorney’s Bad Check Unit. In November 2024, Thomson was charged with passing fraudulent checks and theft. He was arrested, posted bail, and eventually paid off the disputed markers to avoid trial.
The criminal case was dismissed in October.
Defendant Turns Plaintiff
Thomson’s civil suit accuses Aria and parent company MGM Resorts of negligence, unjust enrichment and malicious prosecution. He argues the markers are invalid because he was incapacitated — or, alternatively, that they were forged.
The complaint claims Aria violated its duty to promote responsible gambling by allowing him to borrow large sums while visibly impaired. It also faults the casino for pressing charges despite his attempts to resolve the dispute.
Thomson seeks a jury trial and damages. MGM Resorts has not yet filed a response to his complaint.
No comments yet