Singapore high-roller told to pay Australian casino RM113m after playing baccarat and leaving without paying
A Singapore man had racked up a debt of A$43 million between July 26 and August 2, 2018 in The Star Gold Coast in Australia. — Photo from Facebook/The Star Gold Coast
Tuesday, 10 Sep 2024 11:18 AM MYT
SINGAPORE, Sept 10 — Singaporean Dr Wong Yew Choy has reportedly been ordered by an Australian court to repay A$38.7 million (RM112.8 million) to The Star Gold Coast’s casino.
Singapore’s Straits Times reported that the high-roller incurred a debt of A$43 million between July 26 and August 2, 2018, after playing baccarat at the casino of the Queensland five-star hotel but left without paying.
The casino tried to cash a blank cheque he had provided in 2017 as part of a cheque-cashing facility, but the cheque bounced after Dr Wong instructed his bank not to honour it.
Dr Wong argued he should not pay due to mistakes made by the casino’s dealers, and claimed that he had been told by the casino’s chief operating officer that his losses would be forgiven.
The Star Gold Coast Casino acknowledged receiving his complaint and issued an apology letter, but it made no mention of waiving the debt.
The casino initially sued Dr Wong in Singapore, but the claim was dismissed as gaming debts are not enforceable there.
Tuesday, 10 Sep 2024 11:18 AM MYT
SINGAPORE, Sept 10 — Singaporean Dr Wong Yew Choy has reportedly been ordered by an Australian court to repay A$38.7 million (RM112.8 million) to The Star Gold Coast’s casino.
Singapore’s Straits Times reported that the high-roller incurred a debt of A$43 million between July 26 and August 2, 2018, after playing baccarat at the casino of the Queensland five-star hotel but left without paying.
The casino tried to cash a blank cheque he had provided in 2017 as part of a cheque-cashing facility, but the cheque bounced after Dr Wong instructed his bank not to honour it.
Dr Wong argued he should not pay due to mistakes made by the casino’s dealers, and claimed that he had been told by the casino’s chief operating officer that his losses would be forgiven.
The Star Gold Coast Casino acknowledged receiving his complaint and issued an apology letter, but it made no mention of waiving the debt.
The casino initially sued Dr Wong in Singapore, but the claim was dismissed as gaming debts are not enforceable there.
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The company then took the case to the Queensland courts, where Dr Wong’s efforts to have the lawsuit dismissed were unsuccessful.
Justice Melanie Hindman ruled in favour of the casino, ordering Dr Wong to repay the amount owed, including interest and legal costs.
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kt comments: Just wondering (assuming Dr Wong doesn't travel abroad from now on) how the Queensland-Australian court will-can enforce its ruling? Wakakaka.
One of the most dangerous acts anyone can do is to make large gambling wagers using borrowed money.
ReplyDeleteYou not only lose what you have, you are liable for what you don't have.
Anyway, personal gaming debts ( not criminal acts and not commercial trade) are very difficult to enforce cross-borders, even between countries with extradition treaties (which primarily involve criminal law or business law).
The casino should have realised that.
Dr. Wong will be at risk anytime he lands on Australian soil, but other than that, the casino will have a tough time enforcing the demand.