Lawsuit Alleges Man Attacked at Strip Casino-Resort Over Jackpot Win
Las Vegas Casino Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Negligence in Assault Case
Allegations of Negligence at the Bellagio
A Las Vegas resident has filed a lawsuit against the renowned Bellagio casino-hotel, citing negligence after an alleged assault over gambling winnings. In a complaint submitted to the Clark County District Court, Joel Vargas-Gutierrez claims he was physically threatened and assaulted by three individuals at the Bellagio, while security reportedly failed to intervene.
Details of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit accuses MGM Resorts, the operator of the Bellagio, of negligence and negligent security. Additionally, the three individuals involved are charged with intentional infliction of emotional distress, assault, and battery. Vargas-Gutierrez seeks over $15,000 in damages, covering legal costs, attorney fees, interest at the statutory rate, and punitive damages. MGM Resorts has yet to comment on the matter.
Incident Overview
On December 12, Vargas-Gutierrez visited the Bellagio and won a $2,600 jackpot playing a Mummy-themed slot machine. Due to the jackpot amount, he needed to wait for an attendant to process the payout, prompting him to play on another machine nearby. As he waited, three individuals — two men and a woman — approached the original machine, claiming they had won the jackpot.
Developments Leading to the Altercation
When Vargas-Gutierrez approached the group to assert his claim to the winnings, he encountered hostility and threats. Efforts to amicably resolve the issue allegedly escalated when one of the men advanced toward him threateningly. In self-defense, Vargas-Gutierrez says he swung at the aggressor, sparking a physical altercation. Despite attempts by a bystander to mediate, security guards were reportedly absent during the conflict.
The lawsuit further claims that the woman in the group slapped Vargas-Gutierrez, leading to a second altercation where he was tackled by the two men. Security reportedly arrived only after the situation had further deteriorated.
Ongoing Impact and Legal Pursuit
As per the lawsuit, the incident left Vargas-Gutierrez with physical injuries and enduring mental and emotional distress, necessitating professional medical treatment. He continues to face these challenges to this day, as outlined in the legal documents.
This case highlights the serious allegations of security negligence at one of Las Vegas’s most prestigious casino hotels, raising questions about the safety measures in place at gaming establishments.
For further details, contact Emerson Drewes at Emegypt. Follow Emerson Drewes on X for updates on this developing story.
