An unexpected turn
A patron of the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino is suing the property following an alleged assault by security staff. The casino invited Florida resident Brent Nettles to the property as a VIP player and provided him with a complimentary hotel room.
the plaintiff was “tipsy” on the night in question in March 2022
The lawsuit filing in the US District Court in Gulfport explains how the plaintiff was “tipsy” on the night in question in March 2022. Security told him to leave the bar where he was drinking with his wife and parents.
Nettles claims that as he was exiting, he turned back as he forgot to pay his tab. This is when security escalated the matter. Video footage shows some of the altercation.
Detaining the gambler
Nettles claims that the staff “battered” him after body-slamming him to the ground. They used zip ties to handcuff him before taking him to a back room where he was restrained on a bench. This ultimately led to a Biloxi Police Department officer arriving and arresting him on a trespassing charge.
The lawsuit alleges that the security staff “battered, restrained and detained Nettles without probable cause.”
Some of the specific allegations against the casino and a security guard include battery, gross negligence, and false arrest and imprisonment. He is seeking damages to cover pain and suffering, medical bills, emotional distress, and humiliation, in addition to looking for punitive damages and legal costs.
A frequent visitor
The MGM Resorts International-operated casino has denied any wrongdoing in the case, arguing that the trespassing arrest was justified as Nettles would not leave the resort’s bar.
Explaining a business’ rights to ask a patron to leave, the casino said that it would be entitled to “tell the plaintiff to leave because they didn’t like the shirt he was wearing.”
lost $5,000 on the night of the incident
Nettles frequently visited the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, usually going to the property a couple of times annually since its opening in 1999. The general contractor revealed he typically spends upwards of $20,000 gambling each year. He lost $5,000 on the night of the incident in March 2022.
