The court documents have revealed that businessman Wong Yew Choy visited Queensland Casino on July 26. Before departure, he was supposed to pay his A$43.2 million ($30.6 million) debt but did no such thing, claiming that during his stay, dealers made mistakes which weren’t specified. Star Entertainment QLD is ready to pursue this matter to collect the debt. On the other hand, Wong Yew Choy is telling his own version of the story which doesn’t correspond to their allegations. This is believed to be the greatest gambling debt, handled through court proceedings in Singapore.
Two Sides to the Story
There is nothing out of the ordinary about high rollers having extended time for settling their debts. This case was no different, and after playing baccarat for a week, Wong Yew Choy returned to Singapore, leaving unsettled A$43.2 million ($30.6 million) debt. Previously, the businessman had given a security blank check, connected to an account in Singapore. Not long after, the check bounced.
According to Wong, there is more to the story. He stated that due to an invitation from Star’s VIP marketing head, he decided to make the trip, and by the time he arrived, was given A$200,000 welcome bonus.
At the beginning of the visit, he was granted A$40 million credit but made a decision to quit tables on July 29. Allegedly, the decision was made because a dealer kept on making mistakes which, later on, were admitted by the casino in writing. At that moment, he declined to make any payments.
Next, convinced by VIP hosts with assurance there will be no more mistakes, he changed his mind and continued playing. He also got a new A$50 million credit. In case there were more mistakes, he made it clear he won’t pay for the loses. To corroborate the story, Wong claims that the Star’s COO Kelvin Dodt on August 1 provided a letter. In this document, Kelvin Dodt supposedly acknowledged mistakes and gave a promise there will be no further on.
A Justified Decision?
According to Wong, mistakes kept occurring so he returned to Singapore. Upon return, he made arrangements with a bank to cancel the check which, in his dealings with Star casino, was also a part of the agreement.
Wong’s lawyer, Abraham Vergis conveyed that through this case the goal is to prove his client acted accordingly, and the decision not to pay is fully justified. He also added about his client’s good reputation as a patron of casinos, welcomed around the world, and usually offered various incentive packages which are issued thanks to the fact that Wong tends to be such a high-value guest.
The other side has a completely different grasp on what exactly happened. From their point of view, dealer’s “mistakes” had nothing to do with sessions’ results. They are claiming the dealer revealed gambler’s cards, something that Wong expressed a wish to do himself. In other words, his preferences weren’t respected which was rectified with an apology and compensation. The casino spokesperson said that they are very sorry for having to take this matters to the court; however, it’s necessary.
