Waitress Sues Casino over Disputed High-Stakes Tip

A Maryland waitress thought an unexpected tip had changed her life. Instead, she alleges that her employer took everything. Tajia Mackyeon filed a federal lawsuit against MGM National Harbor Resort & Casino this month, claiming that the casino illegally seized a $76,000 tip she received from a high-stakes player.

A High-Stakes Patron Showed Surprising Generosity

According to the complaint, the event occurred during the early morning hours of April 13. Mackyeon was working as a cocktail waitress at the casino, serving a man playing high-stakes baccarat. The guest had been wagering tens of thousands of dollars per hand. According to Mackyeon, he was winning big.

The plaintiff claims that at one point, the customer handed her $76,000 in chips. She asked him multiple times if he was certain. He confirmed that the tip was meant for her. Mackyeon describes the moment as surreal, as her hands were holding more money than she earns in a year. Her lawsuit is based on what happened after that.

Mackyeon claims that her supervisors approached her after the customer left and told her to give them the chips. She complied, believing she had no real choice. She later discovered that the funds had been returned to the customer. The complaint does not indicate whether the client requested this return. However, her attorneys argue that the decision crossed a legal line.

Mackyeon Is Adamant That the Client Made His Intent Clear

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers are prohibited from keeping workers’ tips. Mackyeon’s lawsuit alleges that by taking the money, the casino violated federal and Maryland labor laws. She is seeking damages that could exceed $1 million. The filing also raises the question of whether a workplace should step in to protect a patron’s winnings at the cost of an employee’s earnings.

Mackyeon’s complaint emphasizes that the customer did not appear impaired or confused at the time of the tip. MGM National Harbor and other casinos have policies allowing staff to intervene if a gambler shows signs of being unable to make sound financial decisions. She argues that no such intervention occurred. Her attorneys also point out that the casino would not have intervened if the customer had instead lost the $76,000.

The lawsuit primarily centers on accusations of wage theft, a common complaint in the service industry. Advocates say millions of dollars in tips and wages are lost each year, often affecting workers who are often unable to challenge their employers. Employees who depend on tips to supplement their income face the highest risk. Casinos have faced similar disputes before, often with mixed results.