Posted on: June 16, 2026, 06:53h.
Last updated on: June 16, 2026, 06:54h.
- MGM denies waitress received valid $76,000 baccarat tip
- Casino disputes claim chips were later returned to patron
- Lawsuit tests tipped-worker protections under federal and Maryland law
MGM National Harbor has disputed key allegations in a federal lawsuit filed by a longtime cocktail waitress who claims the casino confiscated her $76,000 tip from a high-rolling baccarat player.
In a court filing submitted May 29 in federal court in Maryland, MGM denied key allegations made by waitress Tajia Mackyeon, whose lawsuit sought more than $1.1 million in damages over the disputed gratuity.
Mackyeon, who has worked at the casino for nine years, alleges the VIP player handed her 16 high-denomination chips worth $76,000 during an early-morning gambling session on April 13.
According to the lawsuit, she asked the player three times whether he intended the chips as a tip and received three confirmations before casino managers intervened and took possession of the chips.
The complaint alleges the man showed no “apparent state of confusion or impairment” and continued gambling for roughly 30 minutes afterward, suggesting casino staff considered him capable of making his own financial decisions.
MGM Denial
But MGM’s response disputes Mackyeon’s version of events.
The casino denied allegations that the chips constituted a $76,000 tip belonging to Mackyeon and also disputed claims that it later returned the money to the patron.
MGM also denied that the player won tens of thousands of dollars at baccarat before making the tip and rejected claims that managers improperly confiscated money that belonged to the waitress.
The filing does not explain MGM’s alternative version of events or provide details about what happened to the chips after they were removed from Mackyeon’s possession.
Federal, State Violations
In her lawsuit filed early May, Mackyeon alleges violations of federal and Maryland wage laws, conversion, civil conspiracy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and other claims.
She contends the disputed gratuity became her property the moment it was handed to her and that MGM unlawfully deprived her of the tip while continuing to pay her a tipped wage below Maryland’s standard minimum wage.
Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, employers generally cannot keep tips received by workers. Meanwhile, Maryland law permits employers to pay tipped employees below the standard minimum wage only if workers retain their tips.
Defendant’s managers knew that the $76,000.00 tip was a life-changing sum of money for Plaintiff … and knew, or recklessly disregarded the high probability, that taking such a sum from her, refusing to respond to her inquiries, and ultimately giving the money to a third party would cause her severe emotional distress,” asserts the lawsuit.
In its answer, MGM denied wrongdoing and asserted that all actions taken regarding Mackyeon were undertaken for “legitimate business reasons” and were consistent with applicable law.
The company also argued that a “bona fide, legitimate, and good faith dispute” exists over whether any wages or tips are owed.
The case is now moving into discovery, where both sides are expected to seek surveillance footage, casino records, and witness testimony related to the disputed transaction.
