In a town that practically brands itself on secrecy, a federal courtroom in Las Vegas leaned into the theme on April 20, 2026, shutting the public out of a settlement hearing in a closely watched case brought by longtime high roller Dwight Manley. Manley claims his drink was spiked while he was gambling at the ultra-exclusive MGM Mansion in December 2021. U.S. Magistrate Judge Elayna J. Youchah handled the proceeding behind closed doors, the latest confidential move in a legal fight that has stretched on for years between Manley and MGM Resorts.
According to reporting by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the hearing was closed to the public and court officials would not say whether the parties reached a deal. The outlet reported there was no immediate comment from MGM and that Manley’s lawyers did not return calls about what happened in the courtroom. The article amounts to the first public glimpse of an otherwise sealed session.
What Court Filings Allege
Court records cited by Justia state that on December 10, 2021, Manley entered the MGM Mansion high-limit salon and ordered an Old-Fashioned. After drinking it, he allegedly became disoriented, cut his hand at a blackjack table, and later collapsed in his villa. A hair analysis cited in the filings is said to have detected ketamine in his system. The complaint further claims MGM employees allowed temporary increases to his credit limit while he was incapacitated.
Reward and Public Outreach
Outside the courtroom, Manley has taken his search for answers public. He has sought tips and at one point advertised a reward on billboards that he later doubled to $1 million, as coverage of the case has noted. CDC Gaming and other trade outlets have described the billboard push and reward as part of Manley’s campaign to identify whoever he alleges drugged him. The very public effort has kept a spotlight on casino safety and how VIPs are handled, even while the lawsuit proceeds in a federal forum that is increasingly working behind sealed doors.
Sealed Filings and Court Orders
A July 2025 order shows that both sides previously asked to seal portions of filings and exhibits, and the court agreed, according to the case record. The docket reflected on Justia includes redacted documents and sealed exhibits, such as incident reports and related materials. That pattern of restricting access helps explain why the latest settlement hearing also unfolded out of public view.
Case Posture: Trial or Settlement?
Earlier in 2026, a judge declined to grant summary judgment in the case, and the dispute appeared to be on track for trial, according to Nevada Current. The confidential settlement hearing now raises the possibility that the parties opted instead to pursue a private resolution. Either way, the docket reflects extensive discovery battles and hotly contested motions that have stretched the case across multiple years.
What’s at Stake
Manley’s lawsuit asserts multiple counts, including negligence, unfair or deceptive trade practices, unjust enrichment, and breach of the implied covenant, and seeks unspecified damages in excess of $75,000, according to the court filings. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that MGM declined to comment on the closed hearing and that Manley’s legal team did not immediately respond to questions about any outcome. If a settlement is ultimately filed, existing sealing orders mean that parts of any agreement could remain out of public view, keeping key pieces of this high-stakes dispute behind the curtain.
