Gambler Bites Man on the Nose in Foxwoods Slot Machine Dispute

We’ve heard about players fighting over a hot slot machine, but this is something else entirely. Thomas McDonald of Hanover, Massachusetts reportedly bit another man during an altercation in the high-stakes area of the MGM Grand at Foxwoods Saturday morning.

It seems that the dispute was over a $100 slot machine. John Whittaker, from Manchester, Connecticut, was playing two machines in the high-stakes area at around 1:15 am on Saturday. McDonald then took over one of the machines, which apparently angered Whittaker.

This eventually resulted in Whittaker allegedly head-butting McDonald, who responded by biting Whittaker on the nose. McDonald was later charged with third-degree assault and second-degree breach of peace, while Whittaker was charged with just breach of peace. Whittaker was also treated at the scene for the bite. According to Connecticut State Police, McDonald was released on $500 bail.

Both men are reportedly 50 years old.

This incident comes just a week after a separate incident at the MGM Grand in which three men were arrested for using their belts in a fight as weapons. Two other minor incidents involving single gamblers damaging casino property were also reported within the last week.

The MGM Grand at Foxwoods was opened in 2008, and is connected to the main Foxwoods buildings by a moving walkway. The MGM Grand is a smaller facility that markets itself to the higher-end gambling clientele. Along with 1,400 slot machines, there are also 53 table games in the facility.