Singaporean who incurred gambling debt ordered to repay Australian casino $33.6m

A Singaporean high-roller, Dr. Wong Yew Choy, has been ordered by the Supreme Court in Brisbane to repay A$38.7 million (S$33.6 million) to The Star Gold Coast Casino in Queensland, Australia. The ruling comes after Dr. Wong incurred an A$43 million debt during a week of baccarat play between July 26 and August 2, 2018. He left Australia without settling the debt and instructed his bank not to honor a cheque he had previously provided to the casino.

The cheque had been issued in 2017 as part of a cheque-cashing facility for gambling chips at Star Sydney, a related establishment. Although the cheque wasn’t used at that time, the casino attempted to cash it in 2018, only to have it bounce due to Dr. Wong’s bank instructions.

Dr. Wong argued that he shouldn’t have to pay the debt, claiming errors by baccarat dealers and an alleged verbal assurance from the casino's chief operating officer (COO) that he would not be held responsible for his losses. While the casino did issue a letter of apology over the matter, it made no mention of cancelling the debt.

The Star Gold Coast Casino initially sought to recover the debt through the Singapore High Court, but the case was dismissed, as Singapore law prohibits the recovery of gambling debts except in specific circumstances. The casino then took legal action in Queensland, where the Court of Appeal ultimately ruled in favor of the casino. Dr. Wong must now repay A$38.7 million, plus interest and costs.