High Roller Must Pay AU$38M to Star Entertainment

High Roller Ordered to Pay AU$38M Gambling Debt to Star Entertainment in Landmark Ruling

Star Entertainment‘s landmark legal battle has concluded with a decisive victory, reinforcing the message that gambling debts are not optional. Singaporean high roller Yew Choy Wong has been ordered by the Supreme Court in Brisbane to pay over AU$38 million to Star Entertainment Queensland. This verdict underscores the seriousness of gambling obligations and sets a clear precedent for high-stakes gamblers worldwide.

Court Orders High Roller to Settle AU$38M Debt

In a decisive ruling, Justice Melanie Hindman ordered Dr. Wong to settle his gambling debt of AU$38 million (US$25.3 million) owed to Star Entertainment after a high-profile legal battle. The debt arose from a five-day gambling spree at Star Gold Coast in 2018, where Wong lost a staggering AU$47.3 million. Following his losses, Wong left the country without settling his debt, prompting a prolonged legal dispute that has now culminated in the court’s ruling.

Legal Costs and Accumulating Interest

The court’s ruling also requires Dr. Wong to cover The Star’s legal costs and interest on the debt, which has been accumulating since September 2018. The daily interest of AU$8,819 over 2,174 days significantly contributed to the total amount owed, bringing Wong’s obligation to a hefty AU$38 million. This sum reflects both the principal debt and the steep costs of prolonged litigation and interest, highlighting the financial risks high rollers face when engaging in gambling without a clear plan to pay.

The Case of the Bounced Cheque

Star Entertainment’s efforts to recover the debt began shortly after Wong’s departure, using a cheque he had provided during a prior visit to Star Casino in Sydney. However, when the casino attempted to cash the cheque, it bounced after Wong instructed his bank to halt the payment. Star subsequently demanded AU$43.2 million from Wong in October 2018. Wong contested this demand, claiming that a verbal agreement had been reached to waive his losses due to disputes over how his baccarat cards were dealt.

Alleged Verbal Agreement Disputed in Court

Wong’s defense hinged on an alleged verbal agreement with Star’s COO, Paul Arbuckle, which Wong claimed absolved him of the debt up until July 30, 2018. Wong argued that his objections to the dealing of his baccarat cards led to the waiver. However, Arbuckle categorically denied the existence of any such agreement, and Justice Hindman found no evidence to support Wong’s claims. The court emphasized that Wong’s allegations were not substantiated by any written communication, and a letter from the casino acknowledging a lapse in following Wong’s gaming preferences did not mention a waiver of the debt.

A Landmark Ruling in Favor of Star Entertainment

Justice Hindman’s ruling firmly sided with Star Entertainment, rejecting Wong’s claims and validating the casino’s efforts to recover the substantial debt. The court highlighted the importance of honoring gambling debts and upheld the contractual obligations between the casino and its high-stakes clientele. Wong’s debt, compounded by daily interest, now stands at over AU$38 million, marking one of the largest enforced gambling debt recoveries in Australian history.

The outcome of this case sends a powerful message to the gambling world: high rollers cannot evade their financial responsibilities, regardless of the stakes or the circumstances of their losses. Star Entertainment’s victory not only recovers a significant sum but also reinforces the integrity of the casino industry’s financial practices. As gambling continues to thrive globally, this ruling underscores the critical importance of transparency, compliance, and accountability in high-stakes gaming. For Dr. Wong, the decision marks a costly reminder of the serious consequences of unresolved gambling debts, as casinos like Star Entertainment continue to uphold their right to collect on losses.