The Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority announced today that former Hollywood studio mogul Ronald M. Meyer cannot demand a jury trial in connection with a $2.8 million gaming debt lawsuit. The ruling stems from tribal law, which does not permit civil jury trials, as well as the nature of Meyer’s defenses, which do not qualify for jury consideration under Connecticut state law.
The authority filed an objection Tuesday in New London Superior Court, emphasizing that Meyer’s installment payment agreement is governed by Mohegan tribal law. As part of the agreement, the former NBCUniversal vice chairman consented to a choice-of-law provision.
“The laws of the Mohegan Tribe do not provide for jury trials of any civil claim,” the Gaming Authority stated. “The Mohegan Tribe is not subject to either United States or Connecticut constitutional provisions for jury trials.”
The gaming authority further clarified that Connecticut civil laws, including the Connecticut Constitution, apply only to the extent explicitly adopted by the tribe. Additionally, four of Meyer’s six defenses are equitable in nature, which under Connecticut law are not eligible for jury trials.
Meyer’s defenses included claims of unclean hands, unconscionability, equitable estoppel, waiver, and statute of limitations, as well as arguments that his installment payment contract was legally void. The Gaming Authority maintained that even where claims may be legal in nature, the choice of Mohegan law precludes a jury trial.
The lawsuit, filed in May 2024, alleges that Meyer accumulated approximately $5 million in gambling debts at Mohegan Sun Casino in October 2017. While he repaid around $2.2 million through an April 26, 2018 installment plan, he still owes nearly $2.8 million.
Meyer moved to dismiss the case in August 2024, citing Connecticut’s prohibition on lines of credit for gambling, which he argued the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Compact did not authorize. Connecticut Superior Court Judge Scott R. Chadwick denied the motion on October 7, 2024.
The Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority is represented by Andrew L. Houlding of Updike Kelly & Spellacy PC. Meyer is represented by Brian E. Spears, Leslie A. Cahill, and Ivan J. Ladd-Smith of Spears Manning & Martini LLC. The case, Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority v. Ronald M. Meyer, case number KNL-CV24-6067407-S, continues in the New London Judicial District of the Connecticut Superior Court.
