The Dark Truth Behind Las Vegas’ Infamous ICU Death-Betting Scandal

A misread note sparked a media firestorm: Seven ICU nurses accused of gambling on lives. Decades later, the truth still struggles to outshine the myth. The woman at the center, Davante Adams, lost everything—even after her name was cleared.

, and Administrator

2026 January 10 . 1:26 AM

1 min read

In the image we can see there are people standing and at the back there are speakers kept on the... — In the image we can see there are people standing and at the back there are speakers kept on the table and there are casinos which are over here.

The Dark Truth Behind Las Vegas’ Infamous ICU Death-Betting Scandal

In early 1980, Las Vegas hit global headlines over a shocking scandal at Sunrise Hospital. Seven ICU nurses were accused of betting on when their patients would die, even tampering with life-support equipment. The case began with a misunderstanding but quickly spiralled into a media frenzy.

The controversy started when Barbara Farro, a newly assigned night-shift nurse, misread a situation in the ICU. She reported seeing an envelope of cash linked to patient deaths, which the Las Vegas Review-Journal then sensationalised. The paper claimed nurses were wagering on death times, stuffing money into an envelope with their guesses.

Sunrise Hospital suspended the seven employees and reviewed six recent ICU deaths as potentially suspicious. One nurse, Davante Adams, faced the most severe allegations—she was accused of interfering with life-support systems to help friends win bets. A Nevada grand jury indicted her for murder, focusing on the death of Vincent Fraser as the strongest case. At trial, Adams testified that the envelope was simply a farewell collection for a departing colleague. With no solid evidence, the district attorney dropped the charges. The judge dismissed the indictment, and Adams returned to work with support from co-workers and hospital management. Despite the legal outcome, the myth endured. Many still believe the betting ring was real, thanks to the story’s dramatic appeal and widespread coverage, including reports by Walter Cronkite.

The scandal left a lasting mark on Sunrise Hospital and the nurses involved. Though Adams was cleared and reinstated, the accusations cost her her nursing career in the long run. Decades later, the case remains a cautionary tale about how quickly a misinterpretation can turn into an enduring urban legend.