A lesbian couple from California has initiated legal action against a prominent Las Vegas casino, alleging they were violently ejected and physically assaulted by security personnel after being accused of displaying excessive affection. Brianne Garcia and Lelannie Dominguez filed a negligence lawsuit in Nevada's Clark County District Court on Tuesday, targeting The Strat Hotel and Casino over an incident that occurred on May 3, 2024.
Allegations of Discrimination and Excessive Force
According to court documents obtained by the Daily Mail, Garcia and Dominguez were socialising at a bar within The Strat when a waitress approached them. The waitress reportedly informed the couple that their affectionate behaviour was inappropriate and requested they cease immediately. The lawsuit contends that the women felt singled out due to their gender and sexual orientation, prompting them to question the waitress about their treatment.
Shortly thereafter, a manager intervened and instructed the couple to leave the premises. As they were escorted to an elevator by a security guard, the situation escalated dramatically. The legal filing describes the security guard as acting in an aggressive and confrontational manner, ultimately resulting in physical battery against Garcia and Dominguez.
Severe Injuries and Legal Claims
The women claim the altercation caused serious injuries that led to significant physical and mental anguish, with some conditions described as permanent and disabling. Their lawsuit accuses The Strat of multiple failures, including inadequate employee training and permitting security staff to use unreasonable and excessive force. Furthermore, it argues that the couple was discriminated against based on their gender and/or sexual orientation, violating their rights.
Garcia and Dominguez are seeking damages exceeding $15,000 to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses, with the exact amount to be determined at trial. The lawsuit names both The Strat and its operator, Golden Entertainment, as defendants.
Broader Context of The Strat's Operations
The Strat, located at the northern end of the Las Vegas Strip and home to the tallest observation tower in the United States, features nine restaurants and five bars. Accommodation at the hotel starts at approximately $75 per night, and it is connected to an extensive 80,000-square-foot casino. Notably, the lawsuit does not specify which bar the incident occurred in, though The Strat's venues include the Remix Lounge among others.
Financial Troubles and Ownership Changes
This legal challenge emerges amid financial difficulties for Golden Entertainment. Public filings reveal the company reported a fourth-quarter revenue of $155.6 million for 2025, marking an $8.6 million decline year-over-year. For the entire year, Golden Entertainment recorded a net loss of $6 million.
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Golden Entertainment has previously announced plans to sell its operating assets to VICI Properties Inc. This portfolio includes The Strat, the Aquarius and Edgewater resorts in Laughlin, the Pahrump Nugget, and two Arizona Charlie’s casinos in Las Vegas. The Daily Mail has reached out to both The Strat and the couple's legal representative for comment, but responses have not been disclosed.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about discrimination and safety in hospitality venues, particularly regarding LGBTQ individuals. As the legal proceedings advance, it will scrutinise the policies and training protocols at major casinos, potentially setting precedents for customer treatment and corporate accountability in Nevada's bustling gaming industry.
