Singaporean Man's $25.7 Million Debt to Australian Casino: Court Ruling
Singaporean Gambler Faces Multi-Million Dollar Repayment
A Singaporean man has been ordered to repay more than $25.7 million to an Australian casino following a massive gambling loss. Over several days in 2018, Yew Choy Wong racked up losses exceeding 47.3 million Australian dollars, as ruled by Queensland’s Supreme Court. After fleeing the country, he failed to settle his debts, leading the casino to pursue legal action.
Background of the Case
In 2018, Wong played baccarat at Star Gold Coast and accrued significant gambling losses while accompanied by a large entourage. Court documents revealed Wong attempted to recoup the debt with a bounced check. Additionally, a failed lawsuit in Singapore in 2019 showcased local laws' restrictions on recovering gambling debts.
Wong's Arguments Against the Debt
- Wong contended he owed nothing after alleging mistakes by the casino dealers.
- He claimed a verbal agreement with Paul Arbuckle, the casino's COO, to waive his existing losses.
- The court dismissed Wong's defense, stating no substantial evidence supported his claims of a waiver.
Casino's Response
Star Entertainment, the casino's parent company, opted not to comment on the case. This high-profile judgment highlights the challenges casinos face in recovering debts from high-stakes patrons.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.