Employees at Mount Airy Casino Resort in Pennsylvania have reached a $2.3 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit regarding unpaid wages and overtime compensation. The resolution comes after over two years of legal proceedings and follows similar outcomes at other establishments, such as Wynn Las Vegas, highlighting a broader pattern of wage-related litigation in the casino industry.
The settlement, which was submitted to a federal court, includes nearly 700 current and former staff who were employed at the casino between February 7, 2022, and May 8, 2025. A substantial portion of the settlement, at least $1.47 million, is earmarked for direct payments to the employees involved, with the remainder allocated to cover legal fees, litigation expenses, and settlement administration costs. Most employees eligible for compensation are expected to receive amounts exceeding $2,000, with a minimum payment of $100 guaranteed to all participants. A final approval hearing, overseen by U.S. District Judge Joseph F. Saporito Jr., is scheduled for February 19, where class members will have the opportunity to opt out if desired.
The lawsuit, initiated by former table games dealers Jennifer Mak and William Neidig, accused Mount Airy of violating federal and state wage laws. The plaintiffs claimed that the casino failed to adequately inform tipped workers about tip credits applied to their wages, effectively resulting in pay below the federal minimum wage. Additionally, allegations were made regarding mandatory tip pooling, where tips from dealers were redistributed to supervisors and managers, who typically receive higher base pay. The suit also addressed issues related to inaccurate timekeeping and miscalculated overtime, which impacted the employees’ compensation.
Initially involving approximately 100 workers, the lawsuit’s scope widened to include as many as 696 employees as more individuals came forward. The settlement positions Mount Airy among a growing list of casino operators addressing wage-related grievances through legal settlements. Recently, increased scrutiny from courts and regulatory bodies has focused on practices like tip pooling and timekeeping, especially where management benefits from gratuities meant for frontline workers.
Neither the management of Mount Airy Casino nor their legal representatives have commented on the settlement. However, this case underscores an emerging trend within the casino sector, where collective employee action is effecting considerable change regarding compensation practices.
As the industry continues to face regulatory challenges, the resolution of this lawsuit may prompt other casino operators to evaluate their wage policies more closely to avoid similar legal disputes. The upcoming court approval hearing will mark a critical point for the involved workers, potentially setting a precedent for handling such grievances across the industry. This case could also influence ongoing discussions about regulatory enforcement and compliance within the gaming sector.
Looking forward, the implementation of this settlement is expected to progress following the February hearing, with disbursement of funds to the affected employees anticipated thereafter. The situation continues to evolve, and its implications for both employers and employees in the gaming industry remain significant as regulatory oversight intensifies.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
